The House of Representatives has directed its relevant committees to investigate the persistent non-functionality of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries despite the reported expenditure of over $18 billion on their rehabilitation within the last two decades.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, who represents Badagry Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream). The motion was considered and adopted during Thursday’s plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Hon. Whingan expressed deep concern over the state of the refineries located in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, which have remained idle despite years of turnaround maintenance funded by public money. He emphasized that the continued shutdown of these facilities undermines national energy security and economic stability.
“With the Dangote Refinery now operational, Nigerians must ask why public refineries remain dormant despite decades of funding and promises of revival,” Whingan stated on the House floor. “Citizens deserve transparency and accountability for every dollar spent on these assets.”
The lawmaker recalled public remarks by Alhaji Aliko Dangote and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, both of whom questioned the viability of repeated rehabilitation efforts, describing them as wasteful and poorly managed. He also referenced past decisions, noting that during Obasanjo’s administration in 2007, Dangote and other private investors acquired the refineries, only for the succeeding Yar’Adua government to reverse the sale in favor of public rehabilitation, an approach that has yielded little progress.
Whingan further highlighted that NNPCL Group CEO Bayo Ojulari, in a recent interview, admitted the refineries remain non-functional despite billions spent. Ojulari even suggested that selling off the assets might become necessary to end the cycle of waste and inefficiency.
According to Whingan, Nigerians are growing increasingly frustrated by the absence of tangible results despite consistent annual budgetary allocations for refinery maintenance. He argued that such outcomes amount to gross financial mismanagement and a betrayal of public trust.
“Our economy and energy security depend on functional refineries, especially after the petrol subsidy removal,” he said. “A transparent and time-bound investigation is necessary to determine how funds were utilized and who should be held accountable.”
Following deliberations, the House resolved to establish a Joint Committee comprising the Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Downstream, and Midstream), Gas Resources, and Public Assets. The committee will investigate all funds allocated to the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries between 2010 and 2024, review their operational status, and identify individuals or entities responsible for any infractions or mismanagement.
The committee is expected to submit its report within four weeks for further legislative action.
Hon. Whingan described the motion as a reaffirmation of the House’s responsibility to uphold transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
“This step is about restoring public confidence and ensuring that our energy sector truly works for Nigerians,” he said.
The move further cements Hon. Whingan’s image as a reform-driven lawmaker committed to institutional accountability and improved governance in Nigeria’s petroleum industry — a sector critical to national economic survival.
