The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has urged the Federal Government and Chinese firms to ensure transparency and timely execution in the revamp of Warri and Port Harcourt refineries. The union warns that the project must yield tangible benefits for Nigerians and not end as another political announcement. This development is seen as a significant step towards addressing Nigeria's petroleum sector challenges.
With the recent agreement reached by the Federal Government and Chinese firms to revive the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has urged all parties involved in the partnership to ensure transparency, accountability, professionalism, and timely execution of the agreement. NUPENG warned that the resuscitation of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries must not end as another political announcement but should translate into real economic relief and tangible benefits for Nigerians already battling difficult economic realities. While commending the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the recent deal, the National Executive President of NUPENG, Salmon Oladiti, described the development as a significant step towards addressing the long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s petroleum sector and reducing the country’s heavy dependence on imported petroleum products despite its position as a major oil-producing nation. He said that the continued collapse and underperformance of the local refineries over the years have contributed greatly to rising fuel costs, pressure on foreign exchange, inflation, unemployment, and worsening economic hardship for millions of Nigerians. In a statement yesterday, Oladiti lamented that Nigerian workers and ordinary citizens have continued to bear the burden of unstable fuel supply, high transportation costs, and harsh living conditions caused by the failure of the nation’s refining sector and the inability to achieve sustainable local production. He stated that the agreement with the Chinese firms presented 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 further stressed that Nigerians are tired of repeated refinery rehabilitation promises and projects that consume huge public resources without delivering lasting results. The NUPENG boss called on the Federal Government and NNPCL to remain committed to policies and partnerships that prioritise national development, economic stability, and the welfare of the Nigerian people.
