The Tinubu Media Ambassadors (TMA) have publicly criticized Ikenga Ugochinyere, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Downstream Petroleum, for allegedly politicizing the ongoing rehabilitation of Nigeria's refineries. TMA President Mustapha Mohammed made these remarks in a statement on August 30, asserting that Ugochinyere's recent criticisms of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) are more aligned with political ambitions than genuine oversight.

Ugochinyere has been vocal about the NNPCL's lack of transparency regarding the refinery rehabilitation process, claiming that the company has failed to provide his committee with necessary documentation and updates. He has threatened to invoke the committee's constitutional powers if the NNPCL does not comply with requests for information from its leadership, including Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Bayo Ojulari.

In response, Mohammed questioned Ugochinyere's credibility, pointing out that the lawmaker had previously expressed confidence in former NNPCL chief Mele Kyari during a time when the refineries were not operational. "He gave Kyari so many votes of confidence when the refineries were not fixed. It is therefore curious that the same person is now raising these issues in this manner," Mohammed stated.

The TMA president emphasized that the NNPCL is operating under a federal government policy and has not breached any legislative requirements set by the National Assembly. He suggested that rather than creating controversy, it would be more beneficial to allow the rehabilitation process to continue without interference.

Mohammed also accused Ugochinyere of using the refinery issue as a political tool ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that some political actors are attempting to undermine public confidence in the government's petroleum reforms. He warned that such tactics could mislead the public into believing that the government is failing in its responsibilities.

"Accusing the NNPCL of withholding information on the rehabilitation of Nigeria's refineries is a backend tactic by the same agents using cheap gimmicks to create the impression that the government is not doing anything," he asserted, adding that some political figures are already promising to reinstate fuel subsidies if elected in 2027.

Mohammed urged Ugochinyere to distinguish between his oversight responsibilities and his political ambitions, cautioning that the House committee should not be used as a platform for partisan interests. "Oversight is an important constitutional responsibility, but it should not become a platform for advancing partisan political interests," he said.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to reviving Nigeria's refineries, stating that the goal is not only to get them operational but also to ensure they are commercially viable. This assurance came during a meeting with the newly elected national executive of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) at the State House in Abuja, where he emphasized the importance of the rehabilitation efforts for the country's economy.