Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights attorney, has formally sought information regarding the completion date for the long-delayed rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refineries.
In a letter addressed to the Managing Director of Maire Tecnimont S.P.A., the firm responsible for the project, Falana highlighted the $1.5 billion contract awarded by the Nigerian Federal Government for the refineries’ overhaul.
This request, made under the Nigerian Freedom of Information Act, aims to clarify the timeline for the anticipated refinery renovations.
Falana, who leads the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), a prominent NGO, emphasized the necessity of transparency in the progress of the rehabilitation efforts.
In his correspondence dated September 17, 2024, Falana noted, “The Federal Government of Nigeria awarded the contracts for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refineries to your esteemed company for the sum of $1.5 billion.”
He detailed that, according to the contract awarded in April 2021, the project is to be executed in three phases, spanning 18, 24, and 44 months.
Falana urged Maire Tecnimont to provide specific completion dates for the rehabilitation work. “This request, made under the Freedom of Information Act, requires your response within seven days,” he stated.
He argued that, although Saipem is a private entity, it is still obligated under the Freedom of Information Act because it has utilized substantial public funds for the contract. He cited the case of Coscharis Motors Ltd. v. The E.I.E Project Ltd/GTE & Anor. (2022) CLRN 63, where the Court of Appeal affirmed that private companies performing public functions are accountable under the Act.
Falana concluded by urging the company to comply with his request, emphasizing the need for public assurance regarding the judicious use of the $1.5 billion contract. “Should you fail to respond, I will be compelled to seek legal redress in the Federal High Court,” he warned.
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