The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the abandoned $35 million modular petroleum refinery project located in Brass, Bayelsa State.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon.
Billy Osawaru, representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency of Edo State, during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Titled “Motion on the Need to Investigate the Abandoned $35m Modular Refinery Project in Brass, Bayelsa State, Four Years After a Huge Financial Commitment,” the motion calls for a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the stalled project.
The 2,000-barrel-per-day refinery, managed by Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), was conceived to strengthen Nigeria’s oil production capacity, promote indigenous participation, and generate employment within the petroleum sector.
However, four years after the NCDMB’s $35 million investment in 2020, construction of the facility is yet to commence.
Reports indicate that the project is now under the radar of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged financial misconduct.
Expressing dismay, Osawaru said, “Despite this huge investment, which translates to over N50 billion—enough to fund key aspects of the national budget—the proposed refinery remains nonexistent. Nothing on the ground justifies the financial commitments made.”
The lawmaker recalled previous efforts by the House to uncover the reasons behind the delay, describing the lack of progress as “a monumental economic sabotage.” He also noted that a petition had been submitted to the EFCC in May 2024 by a concerned stakeholder, calling for an investigation into the NCDMB’s multi-million-dollar investments, including the Brass refinery project.
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“Nearly a year later, nothing has been heard about this profound national waste,” Osawaru lamented, adding that the continued inactivity of the project raises serious concerns about public fund management and oversight accountability in Nigeria.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, put the motion to a voice vote, and it received overwhelming support from the lawmakers.
Following its adoption, the House mandated its Committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream and Midstream) to conduct a detailed investigation and report back within four weeks.
The outcome of the probe is expected to shed light on the fate of the multi-million-dollar refinery and the alleged mismanagement surrounding its execution.