Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to account for the billions of naira committed to Nigeria’s refineries under his administration rather than attributing their current challenges to previous governments.

Atiku, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, questioned the rise in the combined obligations of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd).

He cited NNPC financial records showing that the refineries’ combined obligations increased from about N4.52 trillion at the end of 2023 to N8.67 trillion by the end of 2024, representing an increase of roughly N4.15 trillion within a year.

The former vice president said the development was difficult to reconcile with the Federal Government’s earlier claims that the rehabilitation of the refineries was progressing successfully under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration.

Atiku particularly referenced the government’s November 2024 announcement that the Port Harcourt refinery had resumed operations at 70 per cent capacity, describing the declaration as a major achievement at the time.

He argued that the administration could not claim credit for the refinery’s return when it appeared successful and subsequently distance itself from the facility when questions emerged over its performance and financial burden.

Atiku also questioned recent comments from NNPC leadership that the refineries were operating at significant losses, demanding explanations over how trillions of naira committed to the facilities had translated into tangible benefits for Nigerians.

He asked the government to account for the funds spent, the volume of refined products produced, expected savings and the current operational status of the facilities.

According to Atiku, the refinery situation is particularly concerning because Nigerians continue to face high petrol prices despite the huge public expenditure committed to restoring domestic refining capacity.

He said resources running into trillions of naira could have been deployed to improve infrastructure, healthcare, education, electricity and other essential services.

The ADC presidential candidate further accused the Tinubu administration of taking credit for positive developments while attributing failures to previous governments.

He argued that after more than three years in office, the current administration should be held accountable for decisions and liabilities accumulated during its tenure.

Atiku described the refinery controversy as a broader reflection of what he characterised as excessive government spending without corresponding results, urging the administration to provide Nigerians with clear explanations for the resources committed to the facilities.

He maintained that the Federal Government must take responsibility for the performance of the refineries and stop relying on inherited challenges as an explanation for failures occurring under its watch.