Niger Delta Group Demands Probe into Port Harcourt Refinery Rehabilitation Funds

A prominent Niger Delta advocacy organization, the South South Youths Initiative, has formally requested that anti-corruption agencies launch an investigation into the multi-billion dollar rehabilitation project for the Port Harcourt Refinery. The group is also urging a wider audit of the financial records belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

In a statement released on Sunday, the group’s national leadership expressed deep frustration over the continued inactivity of the refinery despite the substantial capital investment poured into its overhaul. The organization specifically questioned the status of the $1.5 billion initially approved for the facility’s restoration, noting that the repeated delays in meeting operational deadlines remain unexplained.

Beyond the immediate concerns regarding the refinery, the group highlighted the broader economic implications for the Niger Delta region. They pointed to loans secured during previous administrations for this project, which were reportedly backed by crude oil allocations. The group argued that it is unacceptable for the region’s primary natural resource to be used to service debt for a facility that is not yet contributing to the nation’s refining capacity.

The organization has expressed its full support for the ongoing Senate Public Accounts Committee investigation into financial discrepancies within the state-owned oil company’s audited reports spanning from 2017 to 2023. They commended legislative efforts to ensure that the company’s financial dealings are subjected to rigorous oversight.

The group has formally called upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Department of State Services to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the rehabilitation project and other related financial activities. The advocates emphasized that transparency and the prosecution of any individuals found responsible for financial mismanagement are essential to addressing the grievances of the Niger Delta people.

Furthermore, the group cautioned that it is prepared to mobilize its members for peaceful protests should there be no tangible evidence of progress or accountability regarding their demands. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the management of national resources, particularly those linked to their region, remains transparent and serves the public interest.