Findings by Sunday PUNCH reveal that Nigeria’s state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri remain non-operational despite over $3 billion allocated for their rehabilitation. Investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are underway to probe allegations of mismanagement of these funds. The refineries, critical to reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, have failed to deliver on repeated promises of revival, exacerbating economic challenges in Africa’s largest oil-producing nation.
Despite significant investments, the refineries have seen little to no operational success. Workers reportedly have minimal tasks, often resuming and closing at will, while the facilities remain dormant. This situation underscores a broader pattern of waste, missed deadlines, and mismanagement that has plagued Nigeria’s refining sector for decades.
Port Harcourt Refining Company
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Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company
Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company
The failure of these refineries has deepened Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products, costing billions in lost revenue and fueling corruption allegations. Local communities near the refineries, such as Kapam in Kaduna, have seen livelihoods devastated as businesses that once thrived on refinery activities have collapsed. Residents express frustration over repeated unfulfilled promises, likening the wait for operational refineries to an endless expectation.
The EFCC is probing allegations of mismanagement of the $3 billion rehabilitation funds. In May 2025, the agency interrogated former NNPCL managing directors and top officials, focusing on the handling of these contracts. The investigation highlights concerns about systemic corruption and inefficiencies in the management of Nigeria’s refining sector.
NNPCL spokesperson Andy Odeh reiterated the company’s commitment to restoring the refineries, stating that detailed technical and commercial reviews are ongoing to provide a sustainable solution. However, stakeholders remain skeptical given the history of missed deadlines and unfulfilled promises.
The decay of Nigeria’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri represents a significant setback in the country’s quest for energy self-sufficiency. Despite substantial investments, the facilities remain largely non-functional, with ongoing investigations into fund mismanagement adding to public distrust. Urgent action is needed to address these systemic failures and deliver on the promise of operational refineries to alleviate Nigeria’s economic and energy challenges.
