KEY POINTS
- NUPENG has commended the Federal Government and NNPC for partnering with Chinese firms to revive the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.
- The union said functional refineries could reduce fuel imports, create jobs, strengthen energy security, and ease economic hardship.
- NUPENG urged transparency and accountability, warning against another failed refinery rehabilitation project.
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has praised the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC Ltd., over a new partnership with Chinese companies aimed at restoring operations at the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.
NUPENG President, Salimon Akanni Oladiti, described the agreement as an important step toward addressing years of inefficiency and underperformance in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
The partnership followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NNPC Ltd. and two Chinese firms, Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xingcheng (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd.
The agreement is expected to support the completion and operation of the refineries through a Technical Equity Partnership arrangement.
Refinery Failure Has Worsened Economic Hardship — NUPENG
Oladiti said Nigeria’s continued dependence on imported petroleum products despite being a major oil-producing country has contributed to rising fuel prices, pressure on foreign exchange, inflation, unemployment, and broader economic challenges.
According to him, ordinary Nigerians and workers have continued to suffer from unstable fuel supply, increased transportation costs, and worsening living conditions due to the lack of effective local refining capacity.
He noted that reviving the refineries could help restore confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, create jobs, strengthen energy security, and reduce the financial burden associated with fuel importation.
“The agreement with the Chinese firms presents an opportunity for the country to reposition its oil and gas sector, restore public confidence in the nation’s refining capacity, create employment opportunities, encourage industrial growth, strengthen energy security, and reduce the economic pressure associated with fuel importation,” Oladiti stated.
The union, however, warned against repeating past failures associated with refinery rehabilitation projects that consumed huge public funds without producing lasting results.
Oladiti stressed that Nigerians are already tired of unfulfilled promises surrounding refinery repairs and urged all stakeholders involved in the project to ensure transparency, accountability, professionalism, and strict adherence to timelines.
He added that the revival of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries must deliver tangible economic relief to Nigerians facing difficult economic conditions.
The NUPENG president also urged the Federal Government and NNPC Ltd. to remain committed to policies and partnerships that promote national development, economic stability, and citizens’ welfare.
