Arise Television personality Rufai Oseni has urged President Bola Tinubu to provide a clear explanation regarding the $3 billion expenditure allocated for the Port Harcourt refinery operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). During a recent segment on the Morning Show, Oseni expressed frustration over the conflicting narratives provided by the government concerning the facility’s status.
Oseni pointed out a significant inconsistency in official statements. In September 2024, President Tinubu publicly commended the NNPCL for the successful rehabilitation of the refinery. However, recent remarks made by the President during a meeting with NUPENG leaders at the Presidential Villa suggest the refinery is still slated to become operational in the future. This shift in messaging has led Oseni to question the validity of the previous claims and the actual use of the $3 billion turnaround maintenance budget.
Highlighting the confusion, Oseni noted that the government’s shifting position makes it difficult for the public to trust official reports. He insisted that as the leader of the country, President Tinubu has a duty to provide transparency regarding the massive investment, suggesting that the funds may have been mismanaged given the refinery’s continued state of inactivity despite the previous celebratory announcements.
