The refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri are rotting away despite the over $3bn contract sum to resuscitate them, findings have revealed.
Visits to the refineries by our correspondents in Rivers, Kaduna and Delta states confirmed that the humongous amount, which is now subject of investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, failed to yield the desired result.
Investigation revealed that refinery workers resume and close at any time because they have nothing to do.
These findings come against a backdrop of the country’s long-standing struggle with state-owned refineries, which have collectively cost billions in lost revenue due to reliance on imported petroleum products.
Despite being Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria imports nearly all refined fuel needs, which has fueled corruption allegations and economic woes for decades.
Public records and official statements show that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has overseen multiple rehabilitation efforts since the early 2000s, with promises of operational revival repeatedly unmet.
The investment of about $3bn across the major facilities was meant to end the cycle.
However, findings by Sunday PUNCH paint a picture of systemic failure, missed deadlines, and mismanagement.
The involvement of the EFCC stems from allegations of fund mismanagement.
In May 2025, the anti-graft agency grilled the recently sacked managing directors and top officials of the NNPCL over the alleged mishandling of the $3bn.
Credit: Sunday Punch
