A Niger Delta advocacy group, the South South Youths Initiative, has called on anti-graft agencies to investigate the spending on the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery and examine the financial records of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
The group, in a statement signed on Sunday by its National President, Imeabe Oscar, expressed concern over the continued non-operation of the refinery despite the significant funds committed to its rehabilitation.
According to the group, the reported $`1.5 billion approved for the refinery’s rehabilitation has not translated into the resumption of refining activities.
“We demand to know where the `$1.5 billion went, as the continuous postponement of operational deadlines has raised serious questions about the project,” the statement said.
SSYI also referenced the loan secured during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari for the refinery rehabilitation, noting that the facility was backed by crude oil allocations.
“What this means is that we are using crude oil from the Niger Delta to repay a loan for a refinery that is yet to become fully functional. This situation has become a major source of concern to the people of the region,” the group stated.
The group also declared its support for the ongoing investigation by the Senate Public Accounts Committee into financial discrepancies reportedly identified in NNPCL’s audited records between 2017 and 2023.
“We throw our support behind the Senate probe and commend Senator Adams Oshiomhole for his insistence that all issues surrounding the financial records of the NNPCL should be thoroughly investigated,” the group said.
SSYI urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Department of State Services and other relevant agencies to carry out what it described as a comprehensive investigation into the refinery rehabilitation project and related financial matters.
“We believe that a transparent investigation and the prosecution of anyone found culpable will help address the concerns and grievances of the people of the Niger Delta,” the statement noted.
The group further warned that it could mobilise its members for peaceful protests if there is no visible action on its demands.
“We will continue to press for accountability and ensure that the resources of the Niger Delta are managed in a manner that benefits the people,” the statement added.
