Findings by Sunday PUNCH reveal that Nigeria’s state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri remain non-operational despite over $3 billion allocated for their rehabilitation. Investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are underway to probe allegations of mismanagement of these funds. The refineries, critical to reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, have failed to deliver on repeated promises of revival, exacerbating economic challenges in Africa’s largest oil-producing nation.
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Despite significant investments, the refineries have seen little to no operational success. Workers reportedly have minimal tasks, often resuming and closing at will, while the facilities remain dormant. This situation underscores a broader pattern of waste, missed deadlines, and mismanagement that has plagued Nigeria’s refining sector for decades.
Port Harcourt Refining Company
- Location: Alesa, Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State
- Capacity: 210,000 barrels per day (bpd), comprising a 60,000 bpd plant (1965) and a 150,000 bpd facility (1989)
- History: Once a hub for petrol, diesel, kerosene, and petrochemicals, the refinery shut down in 2019 due to obsolescence and vandalism.
- Rehabilitation Efforts: A $1.5 billion contract was awarded to restore full capacity by 2025. In November 2024, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced a 70% operational resumption, projecting significant daily outputs of diesel, low-pour fuel oil, petrol, and kerosene.
- Current Status: Operations ceased shortly after the announcement due to technical issues. A 30-day shutdown for maintenance was declared in May 2025, but recent visits by Sunday PUNCH confirmed no production, with workers engaged only in administrative tasks. The depot’s truck park is largely inactive, with only limited diesel loading from old stock. Stakeholders, including the Host Community Bulk Petroleum Retailers Association, have expressed frustration over unmet timelines and accused the government of misleading the public.
Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company
- Location: Warri, Delta State
- Capacity: 125,000 bpd
- History: Established in 1978, the refinery produced fuels and petrochemicals like polypropylene and carbon black until it shut down in 2015 due to pipeline vandalism and technical failures.
- Rehabilitation Efforts: A $897.6 million contract was approved in 2021 as part of a $1.4 billion package for Warri and Kaduna. Operations briefly resumed at 60% capacity in December 2024.
- Current Status: Sunday PUNCH found no ongoing production during a recent visit. The tanker park is empty, and the facility appears deserted except for administrative staff. Sources indicate that workers are merely collecting salaries, with maintenance ongoing pending new policy directives from NNPCL leadership.
Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company
- Location: Kaduna, Kaduna State
- Capacity: Not specified in recent data, but historically significant for fuel and petrochemical production
- History: Once a bustling hub, the refinery has been idle for years due to prolonged inactivity and technical issues.
- Rehabilitation Efforts: A $740.6 million “quick-fix” contract was signed in February 2023, targeting 60% capacity by December 2024.
- Current Status: The refinery remains non-operational, with no visible signs of activity such as furnace flames or worker traffic. Local residents report a significant decline in economic activity, with shops, transport, and housing markets suffering due to the refinery’s collapse. A former engineer highlighted concerns about corrosion from prolonged inactivity and a dwindling workforce, now reduced to fewer than 100 from over 1,200.
The failure of these refineries has deepened Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products, costing billions in lost revenue and fueling corruption allegations. Local communities near the refineries, such as Kapam in Kaduna, have seen livelihoods devastated as businesses that once thrived on refinery activities have collapsed. Residents express frustration over repeated unfulfilled promises, likening the wait for operational refineries to an endless expectation.
The EFCC is probing allegations of mismanagement of the $3 billion rehabilitation funds. In May 2025, the agency interrogated former NNPCL managing directors and top officials, focusing on the handling of these contracts. The investigation highlights concerns about systemic corruption and inefficiencies in the management of Nigeria’s refining sector.
NNPCL spokesperson Andy Odeh reiterated the company’s commitment to restoring the refineries, stating that detailed technical and commercial reviews are ongoing to provide a sustainable solution. However, stakeholders remain skeptical given the history of missed deadlines and unfulfilled promises.
The decay of Nigeria’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri represents a significant setback in the country’s quest for energy self-sufficiency. Despite substantial investments, the facilities remain largely non-functional, with ongoing investigations into fund mismanagement adding to public distrust. Urgent action is needed to address these systemic failures and deliver on the promise of operational refineries to alleviate Nigeria’s economic and energy challenges.
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