Edward Abakpa, a public affairs analyst and civil society advocate, has called for the resignation of Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). This demand follows the state-owned firm’s recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies aimed at restarting the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Abakpa expressed concern that this new agreement contributes to a troubling pattern of opaque spending on refinery rehabilitation. He emphasized that Nigerians have a right to a comprehensive accounting of the more than $3.5 billion already spent on previous refurbishment projects, an audit he argues has never been completed.
The MoU, signed between NNPCL and the Chinese firms, is intended to bring the two downstream facilities back into commercial operation. While NNPCL officials have claimed that no public funds will be used to finance this new partnership, critics argue that the absence of a transparent audit of earlier investments leaves the public uncertain about the prudence of this additional deal.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association have previously called for the suspension of this arrangement, labeling it another “jamboree” that could squander state resources. Their concerns reflect a broader skepticism among experts, who point out that despite multiple phases of rehabilitation, the refineries have remained largely non-functional and have failed to deliver the expected output.
In his statement, Abakpa stressed that accountability must precede any new collaboration. He stated, “Before entering into fresh arrangements, Nigerians deserve a detailed explanation of how the over $3.5 billion previously committed to refinery rehabilitation was utilized, what work was actually completed, and why the refineries remain largely non-functional.” He warned that without such clarification, any future partnership would be viewed with suspicion.
This controversy underscores the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s downstream sector, where repeated investments have yet to result in reliable domestic fuel supplies. Observers note that the success of the upcoming Chinese-led revival effort will heavily depend on the transparency of previous expenditures and the government’s willingness to address existing accountability gaps.
The next steps are likely to involve parliamentary oversight committees and advocacy groups pushing for a comprehensive audit of past refinery spending. The outcome of this process could significantly influence not only the fate of the current MoU but also the broader policy direction for Nigeria’s oil-processing industry.
