Reps Probe NNPC Refineries’ Shutdown, Allege Fraud, Mismanagement

The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has launched investigation into the ongoing shutdown and stalled rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries, citing multiple allegations of fraud, mismanagement, and misappropriation of public funds.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, announced the probe following a special session convened petitions from concerned Nigerians.

According to Ugochinyere, despite massive financial commitments to restore operations at the nation’s refineries, the facilities remain idle, raising urgent questions about oversight, transparency, and accountability.

“The House Committee, following a special session and after reviewing numerous petitions and complaints from the general public, has resolved to launch a comprehensive investigation into the state of Nigeria’s refinery rehabilitation projects,” Ugochinyere said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The committee noted that these petitions include serious allegations of fraud, mismanagement, and possible misappropriation of public funds committed to the rehabilitation of refineries.”

The committee, while acknowledging that security and investigative agencies may be handling certain aspects of the matter, emphasised its legislative duty to conduct a thorough fact-finding mission on behalf of the Nigerian people.

He noted the question on the billions spent on rehabilitating the plants as central to the direction of the investigation.

“The refineries are public assets belonging to the federation, jointly owned by both federal and state governments and it is the duty of the National Assembly to provide the Nigerian people with clear answers,” Ugochinyere said. “Citizens are rightly asking: What happened? Was the public deceived? Was the project sabotaged?”

He further raised concerns about the lack of accountability from key players including refinery managers and NNPC Limited officials who were charged with monitoring progress and reporting regularly on site visits.

“At what point did these stakeholders realise the project was not viable, and why was funding continued? Was this a case of a failed vision from the start?” he queried.

The committee is also probing allegations that by-products from the refineries were either misappropriated, sold at undervalued prices, or used for image-laundering exercises instead of being channeled back into the sector.

“These concerns, ranging from the shutdown itself, the failure of the project, the suspected misuse of funds, and the questionable handling of by-products, have compelled the committee to move swiftly and thoroughly,” Ugochinyere added.

As part of the investigation, the committee said it will scrutinise whether contractors fulfilled the technical specifications outlined in their agreements and whether there were consequences for any failure to deliver.

The findings, Ugochinyere noted, will guide recommendations to parliament on further legislative or legal actions.