Ikenga Ugochinyere, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), has accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) of non-cooperation, which he claims has hindered the progress of a National Assembly investigation into approximately $18 billion allegedly spent on the rehabilitation of Nigeria's four state-owned refineries. Ugochinyere emphasized that the House of Representatives is considering taking decisive action against the NNPC following the passage of the 2026 budget, indicating a serious legislative intent to hold the company accountable for its actions.

In October 2025, the House directed its committees on Petroleum Resources (both Upstream and Downstream), Gas Resources, and Public Assets to scrutinize the funds allocated for the revamping of the dilapidated refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri. This action stemmed from a motion sponsored by Sesi Whingan, a representative from Lagos State, who raised alarms about the significant financial commitments made towards the refineries without observable improvements in their operational conditions. The probe aims to clarify how the substantial investment was utilized and whether it achieved its intended outcomes.

The ongoing investigation raises critical questions regarding transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, particularly in the wake of widespread concerns about mismanagement and corruption in state-run enterprises. If the investigation reveals misappropriations or failures in project execution, it could lead to substantial legislative reforms in the sector and increased scrutiny of the NNPC, which plays a crucial role in Nigeria's economy.