Nigeria’s House of Representatives Launches Investigation into Abandoned $35 Million Brass Modular Refinery over Mismanagement Allegations
The House of Representatives has launched a new investigation into the abandoned $35 million Brass modular refinery project in Bayelsa State, amid growing concerns over mismanagement and stalled infrastructure in Nigeria’s vital oil and gas sector.
The refinery, designed as a 2,000-barrel-per-day modular facility, was initiated by Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
The project was envisioned to boost local refining capacity, create jobs, and promote indigenous participation in the petroleum industry.
Despite an initial investment of $35 million (₦50 billion) made in 2020, the refinery has remained idle for four years, with no visible progress at the project site.
Reports indicate that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into the project over alleged fraudulent practices.
Raising the issue during Wednesday’s plenary, Hon. Billy Osawaru (Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency, Edo State) described the situation as “a monumental economic sabotage.”
“Despite this huge investment—enough to fund critical components of the national budget—nothing is on the ground to show that any progress has been made,” Osawaru told lawmakers.
He noted that a stakeholder petitioned the EFCC in May 2024 to investigate NCDMB’s multi-million-dollar investments, including the Brass modular refinery project.
However, he lamented that nearly a year later, there has been no tangible update on the matter.
Osawaru warned that the lack of accountability surrounding the project “raises serious concerns about the management of public funds and the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms in Nigeria.”
The motion, titled “Need to Investigate the Abandoned $35 Million Modular Refinery Project in Brass, Bayelsa State,” received unanimous support when Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu put it to a voice vote.
Following the resolution, the House referred the matter to its Committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream and Midstream) for detailed investigation. The committees were directed to report back within four weeks.
Across Africa, modular refineries have been touted as cost-effective and timely solutions to the continent’s chronic refining deficits.
However, the Brass modular refinery now stands as a cautionary example of how governance lapses, poor oversight, and corruption can derail industrial growth, even as Nigeria seeks energy self-sufficiency.
