Reps Order Probe Into Alleged $18bn Spent On Non-Functional Refineries

The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into the alleged $18 billion reportedly spent on the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries without any tangible results.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Hon. Sesi Whingan (APC, Lagos) during plenary on Thursday.

Whingan, in his motion, expressed concern that despite over two decades of rehabilitation efforts and billions of dollars reportedly expended, the nation’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna have remained largely non-functional.

He referenced comments attributed to industrialist Aliko Dangote, who alleged that about $18 billion had been sunk into the rehabilitation of the facilities over the years.

“Despite consistent annual budgetary allocations, there is no verifiable evidence of any substantial rehabilitation outcomes. This represents a gross misuse of public funds and a betrayal of public trust,” Whingan said.

The lawmaker stressed that with the removal of petrol subsidy by the current administration, the need for operational refineries has become even more urgent to cushion economic hardship and ensure energy security.

He called for a “comprehensive, transparent, and time-bound” investigation to determine the current status of the refineries and assess how funds allocated for their rehabilitation were utilized.

Following a voice vote, the motion was adopted and referred to the House Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream), Public Assets, and Gas Resources for further investigation. The committees are expected to report back within four weeks.

In 2021, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved $1.5 billion for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery and another $1.48 billion for the Warri and Kaduna refineries.

Although the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited announced in late 2024 that the Port Harcourt refinery had commenced operations, it was later shut down for maintenance. The Warri and Kaduna refineries are said to still be under rehabilitation.

In July 2025, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, disclosed that the company was considering selling the refineries due to the complexity and cost of ongoing rehabilitation efforts.