The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has commended the federal government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL over a new partnership with Chinese firms aimed at reviving the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.
The union’s National President, Salimon Akanni Oladiti, who gave the commendation in a statement, described the development as a critical step towards addressing long-standing inefficiencies in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
The deal follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NNPCL and two Chinese companies for a Technical Equity Partnership to support the completion and operation of the refineries.
NUPENG President in his statement said the initiative could help reduce Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported petroleum products despite being a major oil-producing nation.
Oladiti noted that years of refinery failure and underperformance had contributed significantly to rising fuel prices, foreign exchange pressure, inflation, unemployment, and broader economic hardship.
According to him, Nigerian workers and ordinary citizens have continued to bear the burden of unstable fuel supply, high transport costs, and worsening living conditions driven by the absence of functional local refining capacity.
He said 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, however, stressed that Nigerians are weary of repeated refinery rehabilitation promises that have historically consumed huge public resources without delivering lasting results, as he urged all parties involved in the new arrangement to ensure transparency, accountability, professionalism, and strict adherence to timelines in executing the project.
The NUPENG President further called on the Federal Government and NNPCL to remain committed to policies and partnerships that prioritise national development, economic stability, and the welfare of citizens.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
