The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has launched a full-scale investigation into Nigeria’s refinery rehabilitation efforts, citing allegations of fraud and mismanagement.

This follows public outcry and petitions over the failure of refineries to commence operations despite billions spent on turnaround maintenance. The Port Harcourt refinery, which had briefly resumed operations, is reportedly inactive again.

Committee Chairman, Hon. Imo Ugochinyere, said the probe includes the disbursement of $1.5 billion for Port Harcourt, $740 million for Kaduna, and $657 million for Warri refineries. He said the probe seeks to determine whether funds were misused, contracts violated, or oversight failed.

“Despite enormous investment, the facilities remain shut and shrouded in confusion. Citizens are asking: What happened? Was the project sabotaged?” he said.

The probe will also examine why modular refineries must negotiate for local crude in Switzerland and revisit the acquisition of OVH by NNPC Retail, which previously drew staff complaints.

The Committee will propose amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to address unresolved legal gaps, and affirmed that only the President may dissolve the NMDPRA.

In October, the House will host Nigeria’s first Downstream Petroleum Week to advance reforms in the sector.