Rep. Henry Okojie says selling Nigeria’s refineries must reflect public interest and national priorities.
He warns against hasty decisions, promising a forensic probe into their status and spending inconsistencies.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), Hon. Henry Okojie, has declared that any decision to sell Nigeria’s state-owned refineries must involve the voices of the Nigerian people, as the facilities remain critical national assets.
Okojie, who represents Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency in Edo State, was responding to recent remarks by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, suggesting that the country’s aging refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna could potentially be sold.
Ojulari, in an interview with Bloomberg, had cited persistent operational challenges and underwhelming results despite extensive turnaround maintenance projects. “Some of the technology have not worked as we expected so far… it is becoming a little bit more complicated. What we are saying is that sale is not out of the question,” Ojulari was quoted as saying.
His comments came on the heels of a blunt assessment by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, who claimed that government-owned refineries may never function effectively again.
However, Rep. Okojie believes such conclusions are premature. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, he reaffirmed the committee’s oversight duty and its commitment to acting in the best interest of Nigerians.
“We represent millions of Nigerians who own these refineries. This is not about faulting the NNPCL CEO or Alhaji Dangote. As a committee, it is our responsibility to advise the Federal Government based on facts and the collective good of the people,” Okojie said.
He noted that if findings eventually reveal that the funds being pumped into the refineries are unjustified or wasteful, the committee would not hesitate to take a clear position. “At the same time,” he cautioned, “it is rather too hasty to conclude that the refineries must be sold.”
Okojie also expressed concern over the inconsistency in narratives surrounding the refineries’ status. “Just a few months ago, Nigerians were told that the Port Harcourt refinery had resumed full operations, with Kaduna and Warri expected to follow. Now, suddenly, we’re being told that the facilities may be sold off? What exactly has changed?”
To address the confusion and alleged mismanagement, the lawmaker revealed that the committee would embark on a comprehensive forensic investigation to uncover any fraudulent activities or administrative lapses undermining refinery operations.
“We are launching a holistic and forensic investigation to uncover all forms of irregularities. This committee will not shy away from exposing what is wrong,” Okojie said.
He also assured that the committee will collaborate with technical experts, visit the refineries, and engage stakeholders to determine the true condition of the facilities.
