In response to recent media reports, the Senate has refuted claims that it intends to expose fraud associated with the contracts and management of the Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of the nation’s refineries.

Last week, a news report suggested that the Senate’s Ad-hoc Committee on Investigation of TAM in the nation’s refineries aimed to uncover fraudulent activities related to the process.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, addressed the issue during an interactive session on Thursday, expressing dissatisfaction with the “unfortunate reports.” He clarified that the National Assembly could not have reached a verdict on an issue still under investigation.

“I apologize for the reports. I was quoted out of context,” Senator Ubah stated during the session.

He emphasized that the committee’s primary concern was to facilitate the full rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries to enhance petroleum product sufficiency and ensure Nigeria’s energy security.

In response, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari, highlighted the importance of meeting the delivery dates for the Port Harcourt and other refineries’ rehabilitation projects. Kyari assured Nigerians that the promises made regarding the refineries’ rehabilitation would be kept.

“We will make sure that promises that we made about the rehabilitation of these refineries are kept,” Kyari affirmed. He provided updates on the progress, stating that the Port Harcourt Refinery had received 450,000 barrels of crude for processing following its mechanical completion in December last year.

Kyari also outlined the status of other refineries, stating that Warri had undergone mechanical work and was undergoing regulatory compliance processes, while Kaduna was expected to be ready by December this year.

He stressed the need for cooperation among stakeholders in the rehabilitation process, emphasizing their dedication to serving the country dutifully and loyally.

The Senate Ad-hoc Committee plans to conduct on-the-spot assessments of work progress at the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries in the near future.