Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop blaming previous administrations for Nigeria’s refinery challenges and take responsibility for the condition of the country’s refineries.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticised the Federal Government over the continued difficulties surrounding the rehabilitation and operation of Nigeria’s refineries.
He also questioned the resources committed to the facilities under the Tinubu administration, calling for greater accountability over public funds spent on the refineries.
The former vice-president’s comments come amid renewed debate over Nigeria’s efforts to restore domestic refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
Atiku argued that the Tinubu administration should account for the money committed to the rehabilitation of the country’s refineries instead of attributing the problems solely to previous governments.
Reports indicate that he specifically raised questions over additional financial obligations associated with the refineries under the current administration.
The criticism is part of a wider political confrontation between Atiku and the Tinubu administration as political parties prepare for the 2027 presidential election.
The Presidency has previously defended Tinubu’s economic policies and rejected several of Atiku’s criticisms of the administration’s reform programme.
The refinery debate remains a major issue in Nigeria’s energy sector, particularly as the country seeks to increase domestic petroleum production and reduce its reliance on imported refined products.