by The Ajasa News | December 6, 2024 3:57 pm
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has called for a thorough investigation into the $2.9 billion spent on the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries. The refineries, which were initially scheduled to resume production, have faced significant delays, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the rehabilitation project.
Falana also queried why the Port-Harcourt refinery was only blending 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day, while the 150,000bpd capacity was abandoned as well as the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
The fiery human rights lawyer spoke on Wednesday in Lagos State at the commissioning of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Tower.
Falana’s demand for a probe comes amidst growing public skepticism about the government’s handling of the project. The lawyer argued that the investigation is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
“The Nigerian people have a right to know how their money is being spent,” Falana said. “The government must be transparent and accountable in its dealings, especially when it comes to large-scale projects like the refinery rehabilitation.”
“I challenge NUPENG and PENGASSAN to tell Nigerians the actual state of the refineries. Only 60,000 barrels per day are being blended while NNPCL is silent on the remaining 150,000 bpd as well as on the Warri and Kaduna refineries,” Falana said in his remarks.
“NNPCL has not explained to Nigerians why the $2.9billion earmarked for the refineries has been diverted,” Falana added.
Falana’s call for a probe has been supported by various civil society organizations, which have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the project. The groups have argued that the investigation is necessary to prevent corruption and ensure that public funds are used effectively.
The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its handling of the refinery rehabilitation project, with many arguing that the delays and cost overruns are unacceptable. The government has promised to investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible for any wrongdoing are held accountable.
The call for a probe into the refinery rehabilitation project is the latest in a series of demands for greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The sector has been plagued by corruption and mismanagement, with many arguing that the lack of transparency and accountability has hindered the country’s economic development.
Source URL: https://theajasanews.com/falana-demands-probe-into-2-9bn-refinery-rehabilitation-project-amidst-delays-and-controversy/
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