The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to ensure that the newly signed partnership with Chinese firms for the rehabilitation of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries produces tangible results for Nigerians.
NUPENG President Salmon Oladiti made the appeal while reacting to the agreement aimed at reviving the country’s struggling refineries. He described the initiative as an important move toward repositioning Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and restoring confidence in the refining sector.
Oladiti commended the Federal Government and NNPCL for pursuing the partnership but stressed that Nigerians are tired of repeated promises and failed refinery rehabilitation projects that consumed huge public funds without meaningful outcomes.
According to him, the continued collapse and underperformance of local refineries have caused serious economic hardship despite Nigeria being one of Africa’s leading crude oil producers.
He explained that the inability to maintain efficient local refining has contributed to rising fuel prices, pressure on foreign exce, inflation, unemployment, and the nation’s heavy dependence on imported petroleum products.
The NUPENG president also noted that Nigerian workers and ordinary citizens continue to suffer from unle fuel supply, increased transportation costs, and worsening living conditions linked to the poor state of the refineries.
Oladiti said the partnership with Chinese companies offers an opportunity to revive the refining industry, create jobs, improve energy security, encourage industrial growth, and reduce the economic burden associated with fuel importation.
However, he warned that the rehabilitation of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries must not become another political promise without practical delivery.
“Nigerians are tired of repeated refinery rehabilitation promises and projects that consumed huge public resources without delivering lasting results,” he stated.
He called on all parties involved in the agreement to uphold transparency, accountability, professionalism, and timely execution of the refinery projects.
Oladiti further urged the Federal Government and NNPCL to remain committed to strategic policies and partnerships capable of improving economic ility and the welfare of Nigerians.
The Warri and Port Harcourt refineries have remained largely inactive for years despite several maintenance efforts, forcing the country to rely heavily on imported petroleum products.
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