Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has sought clarification on the expected completion dates for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. Learn more about his inquiry and the status of the projects.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has written to two contractors, Maire Tecnimont S.P.A. and Saipem Contracting Nigeria Ltd., requesting information regarding the completion timeline for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. Channels Television obtained copies of the letters, dated September 17, and addressed to the Managing Directors of both companies, which were awarded the contracts for the refinery rehabilitation.

In the letters, Falana noted that the Federal Government had awarded Maire Tecnimont S.P.A. the contract for the Port Harcourt refinery rehabilitation at a cost of $1.5 billion. Saipem Contracting Nigeria Ltd. received contracts for the Warri and Kaduna refineries for the same amount.

According to Falana, “As per the terms of the contract awarded in April 2021, the rehabilitation project was expected to be completed in three phases spanning 18, 24, and 44 months.”

Falana’s requests were made under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, which gives the contractors seven days to respond. He argued that despite being private companies, both contractors are obligated to comply with the FOI Act, given that they are utilizing substantial public funds for the projects. He further warned that failure to provide the requested information could lead to legal action.

He referenced the Court of Appeal case Coscharis Motors Ltd. v. The E.I.E Project Ltd/GTE & Anor. (2022) CLRN 63, which established that private entities are as accountable as public institutions under the FOI Act when they perform public services or utilize public funds.

“In light of this, we urge you to respond to our request to reassure the Nigerian people that the $1.5 billion contract for the Port Harcourt refinery rehabilitation has been judiciously used,” Falana stated.