Want Full Probe of Port Harcourt Refinery Repairs

The National Transparency Network, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations and patriotic citizens, has demanded a thorough investigation into the financial activities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the leadership of former Group CEO, Mele Kyari.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the group called for a Special Commission of Inquiry to probe the $1.5 billion spent on the Port Harcourt refinery, which has yet to deliver refined products.

The CSOs expressed outrage over the reckless expenditure of $1.5 billion on the Port Harcourt Refineries (PHRC) 1 and 2, an amount equivalent to the annual budgets of several African countries.

They questioned the initial plan to rehabilitate two refineries, which was abandoned without justification, and demanded answers on where the funds disappeared to.

The group led by its National Coordinator. Dr Fabian Opialu criticized the Kyari-led administration for lack of transparency and accountability, citing false reports of “mechanical completion” despite the refinery’s non-functionality.

The group also raised concerns about suspicious arrangements between NNPCL and Matrix Oil, which invested $400 million in the refinery rehabilitation without clear terms or benefits to Nigeria.

They demanded a comprehensive audit and prosecution, including a forensic audit of all NNPCL financial transactions over the past five years, publication of those involved in the alleged misallocation of 89 million barrels of crude oil to non-state actors, a detailed report on how $1.5 billion was spent on the Port Harcourt refinery, interrogation and possible prosecution of Mele Kyari, dismissed board members, and other NNPCL executives found culpable, and a legislative oversight hearing to ensure transparency requirements for the newly appointed NNPCL board.

The National Transparency Network expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, commending his commitment to reforming Nigeria.

However, they emphasized that reform without accountability is merely cosmetic and urged the President to act swiftly to address the situation.

They called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly, and the Presidency to act swiftly and without delay to investigate and prosecute those involved in the alleged financial malfeasance.

The CSOs believe that a proper investigation, followed by judicial action, will send a strong message that Nigeria is ready to conduct business within the parameters of accountability.

The statement added: “Firstly, we must draw attention to the previously mentioned staggering sum of $1.5 billion earmarked for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries. Nigerians were led to believe that these funds, allocated by the Buhari-led administration in 2021, were intended for a comprehensive overhaul.

“However, to the shock and dismay of the public, not only were these funds entirely expended on just one refinery, but the said refinery turned out to be non-functional, failing to meet even the most basic industrial standards expected of such an investment.

“Such fiscal mismanagement should have been the subject of a rigorous criminal investigation involving all national and international parties implicated in this debacle.

“Yet, under President Tinubu’s administration, the silenced voices of Nigerians are being amplified, demanding answers to critical questions: Where did these huge funds disappear to? Why was the initial plan of rehabilitating two refineries abandoned without justification?

“Who are those responsible for this national capture of our resources? Moreover, this treacherous act defies logic and prudence. The dissipation of such a colossal sum with no concrete outcome or accountability speaks volumes about the Kyari-led administration.

“Despite false reports of a ‘mechanical completion’ the Port Harcourt refinery has yet to deliver refined products to Nigeria and Nigerians. On behalf of Nigerians, we ask: What was the essence of this prodigious spending? Where are the contractors? Can we see the audit trails? Finally, what role did Kyari’s NNPCL leadership play in enabling or facilitating this dereliction of duty against the nation?

“Perhaps even more alarming is the unresolved scandal surrounding the disappearance, or rather the misallocation, of over 89 million barrels of crude oil to non-state actors. While many view this as a case of mismanagement, we see it as an enormous economic sabotage of the highest order.

“It is an undeniable fact that Nigerians deserve to know who authorized such transfers, who the beneficiaries are, and why no arrests have been made to date. The absence of accountability concerning this monumental loss is a disgrace to the stature of leadership and a great threat to Nigeria’s economic sovereignty.

“Nigerians will not tolerate another phase of misappropriation and concealment. We appeal to the media to amplify this call and maintain pressure on the authorities. Likewise, we urge all stakeholders and groups to lend their voices to this cause for a better Nigeria. It is only through our collective vigilance that the heart of our nation can be preserved from kleptomaniac interests.

“Otherwise, our collective silence will embolden corrupt actors to continue their plundering of our national resources. The situation at the NNPCL is symptomatic of a deeper malaise that must be uprooted if Nigeria is to fulfill its economic potential. The NNPCL $1.5 billion refinery debacle is not just a case of wasted funds; it is a national emergency that demands immediate and thorough redress. “

The most remarkable and halcyon spectacle of good governance in the present Republic is unarguably the government of Enugu State under the watch of Dr Peter Mbah. Ndi’Enugu are clearly unanimous in the praise and appreciation of the commitment of their Governor to make real the promises of democracy.

The Peter Mbah led government has redefined governance in so many ways that every so often the trophy cabinet of the State government calls for regular review and rework as monstrous accolades stream in almost on a daily basis. Enugu State has become the lead example of exemplary and servant oriented leadership. And Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is without an ounce of doubt a homo sequentum.

Have you googled Enugu State to see the remarkable strides in Agriculture? Have you searched the internet to see the monstrous strides in Infrastructural Development? Have you heard of the unassailable commitment of the Enugu State Government to the protection of lives and property? Have you heard of the Digitalised Control Centre that works for seamless synergy between Security Agencies in the State? Have you seen the beautiful Smart Schools that define the commitment of the Enugu State Government to Education? Have you read about the monumental investment of Enugu State in Healthcare, and the Healthcare Centres springing up across the Wards in Enugu State?

Have you seen the Cargo Wing of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport targeted at opening new frontiers for business? Have you seen the ongoing International Conference Centre and the Five Star Hotel project, with the profound intention of making Enugu State the go-to destination for Business, and for leisure? Have you seen the commitment of the State to Arts, Culture and Tourism? Have you seen the resurgence of Pipe Borne Water in Enugu State, and are you aware that no State in Nigeria comes near Enugu State in the restoration of Pipe Borne Water? Have you seen the level of work on both urban and rural roads that has turned Enugu State into a huge construction site? And have you seen the olympic strides of the State government in Skill Acquisition, Human Capital Development, and Empowerment? Do you think that the popular refrain THE FUTURE IS HERE is masturbatory? Folks, without a shade of equivocation Enugu State is the lucid manifestation of the greatness that responsible and responsive leadership engenders.

Within the past 6 months the Enugu State Government have been first in almost every parameter and sector of governance. Peter Mbah has been Governor of the Year. Enugu State has led the pack in Infrastructural development. Enugu State tops the chart in Healthcare, in Education, and in the commitment to the Security of lives and property. Yes, laudable laurels and trophies litter the Enugu tapestry, thanks to the unalterable commitment of the Governor to make Enugu State profoundly better than he met it.

The awesome strides of the Peter Mbah led government of Enugu State are so manifest that even the fiercest opponent of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah in the 2023 contestation for the high office of Governor, Barrister Chijioke Edeoga of the Labour Party has returned to the Governor’s Party, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP. And in doing so, Edeoga was emphatic about the great strides of the Peter Mbah led government. Edeoga was forthright in his call for Ndi’Enugu to support ‘the man who knows the way’, and ‘to stand with the man whose commitment to an Enugu State that works for all is without blemish.’

Edeoga’s return to the PDP and his profound testimony about the man that is consistently Making A Difference MAD in Enugu State enamours; and very striking however is the recent endorsement of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah by the leaders of Nsukka Community, and take note that Nsukka is arguably the largest voter demography in Enugu State.

In endorsing and applauding the Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah led administration, the Nsukka Leaders noted that they are overwhelmed by the strides of the government in Infrastructural Development, in Healthcare, in Education, in Urban and Rural Development, in Skill Acquisition and Human Capital Development, and in improving the general well-being of Ndi’Enugu.

Need I tell you that as the endorsements stream in, the humble People’s Governor of Enugu State has remained focused, Unfazed and committed to the promises that he made to Ndi’Enugu during the 2023 campaign season. To Governor Peter Mbah there is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off. And he is unwilling to allow the blinding lights of sycophants and Court-jesters derail his vision and dream of an Enugu State that meets the standards of a highly progressive world. To Peter Mbah The FUTURE IS HERE.

And to all advocates of good governance and servant oriented leadership I commend the watchman in the saddle at the Government House in Enugu, knowing that when in unison we applaud all vistas of good governance on our political kaleidoscope, we shall be redefining thereto the moral and ideological minimums of leadership in Nigeria.

To Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah a heart of love and admiration. And to Ndi’Enugu I say, The Future Is Here.

Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr
Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVT.
A Good Governance Advocacy Group.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has announced that more than 4,000 women have benefited from the Federal Government’s free Cesarean section (C-section) initiative since its inauguration.

Pate disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a media conference marking the 2025 Safe Motherhood Day.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Innovating for Safer Birth: A Collective Responsibility to Crash Maternal Mortality,” with the slogan “Care for Moms, Hope for the Babies.”

Celebrated annually on April 11, Safe Motherhood Day aims to raise awareness about maternal health.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in November 2024, Pate revealed that the Federal Government would offer free C-sections for all women in need, as part of efforts to reduce maternal mortality.

This initiative is part of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) project, which aims to improve access to quality healthcare and reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates.

Pate emphasized that the government was committed to ensuring no woman dies during childbirth and that every newborn receives the care and dignity they deserve.

He outlined several ongoing government efforts to ensure safe deliveries, including the Health Sector Renewal Investment initiative, which addressed long-standing challenges in the health system.

“Under this initiative, we have strengthened the Primary Health Care system to ensure better access to quality maternal, newborn, and child health services.

“We are scaling up Comprehensive Emergency Maternal, Obstetric, and Newborn Care, especially for indigent and vulnerable populations.

“More than 4,000 women have already received cesarean sections, treated, and reimbursed through the National Health Insurance Authority’s emergency obstetric care programme,” Pate explained.

He said that the government had also expanded coverage of skilled birth attendants in underserved areas and broadened health insurance coverage.

“The National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System has been strengthened, with 23 states empaneled.

“Additionally, the Free Fistula Programme, offering free repair, care, and transportation, is currently active in 15 facilities.”

Pate noted that these reforms were already showing positive results, with improved health indicators in several states.

Addressing the theme of Safe Motherhood Day, Pate called on all Nigerians to take responsibility for ensuring safer childbirth for every woman, regardless of her background or location.

Country Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Walter Mulombo, also spoke on behalf of development partners.

He emphasised that safe motherhood started with comprehensive health security and called for continued investment in maternal and newborn health services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

He urged the government to enact and uphold laws that would protect women’s and children’s health rights, including maternity protection and access to sexual and reproductive health services.

The event culminated in the launch of key policy and guideline documents aimed at advancing safe motherhood.

These included the Safe Motherhood Strategy (2024-2028), Guidelines for Managing Postpartum Hemorrhage, Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Guidelines, Essential Gynaecological Skills Manuals, and the National Training Manual for Obstetric Fistula Management.

NAN also reports that these documents underscore the government’s commitment to building a resilient, people-centered health system that proactively addresses maternal health challenges.(NAN)