Experts Urge NNPCL to Take Urgent Action on Government-Owned Refineries
By Naija Enquirer Staff
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry have called for a forensic audit of government-owned refineries to accelerate their rehabilitation and strengthen domestic refining capacity.
The concerns follow the recent visit of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, to the privately owned Dangote Refinery — a move that has sparked debate across the petroleum sector.
Critics argue that the visit did not adequately reflect the urgent need to revamp Nigeria’s government-owned refineries, particularly given that the GCEO has yet to make similar inspection tours to the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries under his direct supervision.
Concerns Over Leadership Priorities
Mr. Ojulari was appointed GCEO of NNPCL on 2 April 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Since assuming office, he has reportedly not visited the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries — facilities that have consumed significant public funds for rehabilitation but continue to struggle operationally.
Stakeholders contend that prioritizing engagement with a private refinery while national assets remain underperforming signals misplaced priorities and weakens public confidence.
Call for Accountability and Transparency
Dr. Joseph Obele, an energy expert and lecturer at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, described the development as troubling. He emphasized that public officials must first demonstrate visible commitment to restoring government-owned facilities before celebrating private-sector collaborations.
“It is particularly disturbing that, nearly a year into his tenure, the GCEO has reportedly not visited the Port Harcourt Refinery. Instead, it is alleged that a directive to shut down the plant was issued on 24 May 2025 without a personal inspection tour. Such action raises critical questions about accountability and leadership responsibility,” Obele stated.
He added that visible engagement with the workforce and contractors at the refineries would serve as a morale booster and restore hope that national assets have not been abandoned.
Demand for Immediate Action
Some civil society groups are reportedly exploring legal options, including calls for Mr. Ojulari’s removal from office. Dr. Obele urged President Tinubu to consider decisive steps to restore public confidence and reaffirm the administration’s commitment to protecting national assets.
Stakeholders insist that while collaboration between NNPCL and private refineries such as Dangote may offer economic advantages, it must not overshadow the responsibility to rehabilitate and operationalize government-owned refineries.
Recommendations from Stakeholders
- Conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of government-owned refineries.
- Provide a detailed public update on the operational status of Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries.
- Prioritize direct inspection and engagement with government refinery projects.
- Ensure transparency in any shutdown directives issued.
According to stakeholders, Nigeria’s energy security and economic sovereignty must remain paramount. They warned that any perception of sidelining national assets in favor of private interests could further erode public trust and intensify calls for corrective action.
