Energy advocates, APC group write Tinubu over Port Harcourt, other local refineries

The Energy Reforms Advocates (ERA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Vanguard for Change (APCYVC) have urged President Bola Tinubu to investigate the persistent failures of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to restore the Port Harcourt and other local refineries.

The groups expressed concern over the $2.9 billion approved in 2021 for the rehabilitation of the refineries, which remain non-functional despite NNPCL’s assurances.

In a letter addressed to the President, they lamented the continuous state of decay within Nigeria’s petroleum sector as a reflection of a persistent failure by NNPCL.

These failure, the ERA Convener, Opialu Fabian and APCYVC Convener, Ezewanka Ugochukwu who signed the letter said has led to economic sabotage, health hazards, and environmental risks due to the importation of adulterated fuel.

They criticized NNPCL’s repeated promises and prolonged inaction, citing systemic failure and corruption within the leadership.

They questioned the utilization of funds allocated for refinery rehabilitation, which seems unaccounted for. Billions spent on maintenance over 25 years have yielded little to no fuel production.

Among many other things, they demanded that the probe should reveal the truth behind the persistent failures and alleged financial improprieties.

The groups proposed immediate actions, including revamping the regulatory framework, reactivating local refineries, transparency in subsidy implementation, strengthening NNPCL’s leadership, and empowering the public with information.

The letter partly reads: “Your Excellency, we are witnessing a dire situation. Despite the approval of $2.9 billion in 2021 for the rehabilitation of these vital refineries, they remain non-functional. NNPCL has repeatedly assured Nigerians that these facilities would soon become operational, yet these assurances have failed to translate into reality.

“The refineries stand dormant, while Nigeria, an oil giant and Africa’s largest oil producer, finds itself dependent on foreign countries to meet its domestic fuel needs. The consistent promises and prolonged inaction serve not only as a betrayal of trust but as a profound reflection of a systemic failure within the leadership of the NNPCL.

“The ongoing importation of adulterated fuel represents an insult to Nigeria’s position as a leading crude oil producer. This cycle of imported substandard fuel undermines the health, safety, and economic stability of our citizens.

“The consumption of such fuel has led to health hazards, poses a risk to vehicles, and has severe implications for agricultural machinery. Nigerian citizens, meanwhile, pay a premium price for this subpar fuel, which contributes to rising inflation and daily hardships.

“It is unacceptable that as one of the top oil-producing nations in the world, Nigeria is forced into a position where it has no choice but to rely on imported petroleum products to meet domestic demand.

“This prolonged reliance on imports has placed a significant strain on the nation’s foreign reserves, while a small, corrupt few reap immense profits. The corruption within this system is so deep-seated that these vested interests seem to actively oppose any attempt to rehabilitate our refineries.

“The importation of adulterated fuel goes beyond economic implications; it endangers the lives of Nigerian citizens and the environment. Vehicles, agricultural equipment, and power generators are all at risk of serious damage from this substandard fuel.

“The time has come for systemic reform. The root causes of these challenges are multi-faceted, encompassing institutional corruption, regulatory weaknesses, and a pervasive culture of unaccountability”, the letter reads.

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