The Nationalists Movement (NM) has lent its voice to the controversy surrounding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), endorsing former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s assertion that the company has grossly mismanaged the nation’s refineries.
In a bold statement signed by Elder Ogbor Awuru on the 3rd of January, 2025, the group highlighted Obasanjo’s revelation that over $2 billion has been wasted on the refineries as a scathing indictment of the NNPCL’s management.
During an interview with Channels Television on the 2nd of January, 2025, Obasanjo cast doubt on the functionality of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, contradicting NNPCL’s claims that operations had resumed.
He further accused the company of thwarting Aliko Dangote’s $750 million offer in 2007 to manage the refineries under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
Obasanjo disclosed that Dangote’s payment was eventually refunded by his successor, the late President Umar Yar’Adua, after the NNPCL assured the government of its ability to manage the refineries a promise that has since proven hollow.
In response to these allegations, the NNPCL asserted that the refineries had been revived and invited Obasanjo to inspect the facilities in Warri and Port Harcourt.
However, the Nationalists Movement rejected this narrative, labeling the rejection of Dangote’s offer as a “gross misjudgment” that has led to billions of dollars being squandered with no tangible results.
Contrary to the NNPCL’s claims, the Movement alleged that the Port Harcourt refinery is merely blending, not refining, crude oil an act they described as deceptive and unacceptable.
“Obasanjo’s revelation that over $2 billion has been squandered on non-functional refineries is a damning indictment of the NNPCL’s leadership,” the statement read.
The group also criticized NNPCL’s current Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, accusing his administration of fostering mismanagement, corruption, and a disregard for accountability.
“Kyari’s leadership has been defined by a lack of transparency and elaborate publicity stunts to mask systemic failures,” the Movement charged.
Calling for decisive government intervention, the Movement urged President Bola Tinubu to address the pervasive corruption and inefficiency within the NNPCL.
“The Nigerian people deserve better,” they declared. “It’s time to ensure that the nation’s resources are managed with integrity and efficiency.”