Former Vice President Calls for Accountability as Nigerians Still Face Fuel Shortages
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over the alleged waste of N15 billion spent on the Port Harcourt refinery, which has yet to deliver a consistent supply of fuel to Nigerians. He described the spending as a mismanagement of public resources and called for greater transparency and accountability in the operation of state-owned refineries.
Atiku noted that despite the huge investments over the years, the Port Harcourt facility has failed to produce the expected fuel output, leaving the country heavily reliant on imported petroleum products. His comments reflect growing public frustration over persistent fuel shortages across Nigeria.
NNPCL officials have admitted that the Port Harcourt refinery, along with other state-owned refineries, continues to operate at a loss, citing poor capacity utilization and operational inefficiencies. The NNPCL CEO, Bayo Ojulari, explained that running these aging plants was financially unsustainable, prompting decisions to limit operations.
Atiku urged the federal government to review energy policies and ensure efficient use of public funds, emphasizing that Nigerians deserve a reliable fuel supply. Lawmakers have also raised concerns over billions spent on refineries, calling for a full probe into NNPCL’s spending and management.
The situation underscores the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum sector to ensure that investments in refineries translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
