NNPCL refinery: Explain to Nigerians how $3b was spent in 2024 – Rufai tells Tinubu

Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has urged President Bola Tinubu to provide clarity on how $3 billion was allocated towards the revitalisation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) refinery in Port Harcourt. During an interview on Arise Television's Morning Show, Rufai criticised the Nigerian government for inconsistent statements regarding the refinery's progress.

He pointed out a discrepancy where President Tinubu praised the NNPCL for the refinery's successful operation in 2024, yet now claims that the refinery will be operational again. Rufai questioned the efficacy of the $3 billion investment, suggesting it may have been mismanaged or ineffective. He demanded transparency and a thorough explanation of the funds' usage.

This criticism emerged following President Tinubu's declaration at a meeting with the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, stating that the NNPC refinery would resume operations. Rufai expressed concern that the actions of the Nigerian government were causing public confusion and embarrassment.

On September 26, 2024, President Tinubu commended the NNPC for the successful revitalisation of the refinery. However, Rufai questioned why the refinery was considered operational in 2024 if President Tinubu had previously declared it would work again. "President Tinubu, as the father of the nation, we must first understand how that $3 billion was spent," Rufai stated.