Obasanjo Supported as Nationalists Condemn NNPCL’s $2 Billion Refinery Controversy
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is under fire once again, and this time, it’s getting heated. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has openly criticized the mismanagement of the nation’s refineries, and he’s got strong backing from the Nationalists Movement (NM).
In a bold statement, Elder Ogbor Awuru, speaking for the NM, didn’t hold back. He tore into the NNPCL’s handling of the Port Harcourt Refinery, labeling it a “disaster” despite the colossal $2 billion reportedly spent with nothing to show. Awuru echoed Obasanjo’s claim that the refinery is merely blending, not refining crude oil. “This is daylight deception,” he said, calling it a wake-up call to confront corruption head-on.
A Missed Opportunity?
The NM also dragged up a decision from 2007 that’s still raising eyebrows. Awuru criticized the NNPCL for rejecting Aliko Dangote’s $750 million offer to manage the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. According to him, that rejection was a massive misstep that cost Nigeria dearly.
The heat isn’t just on the refineries; NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, is also catching flak. Awuru accused Kyari of relying on flashy PR campaigns while sidestepping the real issues. “We need transparency and solutions, not distractions,” he added.
Calls for Action
The NM isn’t stopping at criticism. They’ve turned to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to step in and ensure Nigeria’s resources are handled properly. “The people deserve accountability,” the group insisted, emphasizing the urgency of reforming Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
