Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate suspension of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company’s (NNPC) refinery rehabilitation agreements involving the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries and Chinese firms.
Atiku described the deal as a “dangerous gamble,” raising concerns over the competence, transparency and credibility of the companies reportedly engaged for the projects.
The former presidential candidate questioned why the Federal Government and the NNPC proceeded with the arrangement despite ongoing public concerns about the state of Nigeria’s refineries and previous failed rehabilitation efforts.
According to him, the country cannot afford another round of costly refinery projects that fail to deliver results after consuming billions of naira in public funds.
Atiku also demanded full disclosure of the contractual terms, financial commitments and technical capabilities of the Chinese firms involved in the agreements, insisting that Nigerians deserve accountability and transparency in the management of national assets.
The remarks add to the growing political debate surrounding Nigeria’s refining sector, especially following repeated government assurances that the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries would resume full operations after rehabilitation.
Critics of the refinery deals have argued that successive administrations have spent huge sums on turnaround maintenance with limited results, while supporters insist rehabilitation remains necessary to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
The NNPC has yet to officially respond to Atiku’s latest demand, but the company has consistently maintained that ongoing refinery rehabilitation projects are part of efforts to strengthen domestic refining capacity and improve energy security in Nigeria.
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