Femi Falana Seeks Transparency on Completion Date of Kaduna PH, Warri Refineries

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has formally requested completion dates from contractors Marie Tecnimont S.P.A and Saipem Contracting Nigeria Ltd for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries.

Utilizing the Freedom of Information Act, Falana has given the contractors seven days to respond to his letters dated September 17, 2024, which were addressed to the Managing Directors of both firms.

The Federal Government awarded each contractor US$1.5 billion for these projects, which are scheduled to be completed in three phases over 18, 24, and 44 months. Falana emphasized that although these companies are private, they must comply with the Freedom of Information Act because they utilized public funds for the rehabilitation contracts.

He warned that failure to provide the requested information would result in legal action. "In line with the terms of the contract which was awarded sometime in April 2021, the project is expected to be completed in three phases of 18, 24, and 44 months," Falana stated. He further cited a legal precedent, noting, "In the case of Coscharis Motors Ltd. v.

The E.I.E Project Ltd/GTE & Anor. (2022) CLRN 63, the Court of Appeal held that a 'private body or company would be as accountable as a public institution or body under the Act if it has provided any form of public services, or performed any form of public function or utilized public funds.'"