The Labour Party (LP) has expressed skepticism over the recent announcement that the Port Harcourt Refinery has commenced production.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, questioned the government’s claims, citing a history of unfulfilled promises and wasteful spending on refinery maintenance.

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“In fact, billions of not trillions of Naira have been sunk into the almost annual ritual of Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) with little, if anything, to show for it,” Ifoh said in a telephone interview with our correspondent.
The LP’s skepticism is fueled by previous false starts and propaganda surrounding the refinery’s production timeline. Ifoh noted, “There have been propaganda around when actual production will start. We are taking with the hope that this time around the news about Port-Harcourt starting production isn’t another hoax.”
The party has called for greater transparency in the management of the country’s petroleum sector assets, emphasizing the need for accountability and open communication. Ifoh urged the government to ensure that public funds spent on the refineries are accounted for and reimbursed if possible.
As the government celebrates the reported commencement of production at the Port Harcourt Refinery, the Labour Party’s skepticism serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s oil resources.