NUPENG lauds FG, NNPC over agreement with Chinese firms to revive Warri, Port Harcourt refineries
By Eberechi Obinagwam
The New National Executive President of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Comrade Otumba Salmon Oladiti has commended the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) over the recent agreement reached with Chinese firms aimed at reviving the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.
In a statement, he 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.
According to him, the continued collapse and underperformance of 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.
“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,” the statement reads.
He noted that 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.
“Nigerians are tired of repeated refinery rehabilitation promises and projects that consumed huge public resources without delivering lasting results, and therefore urged all parties involved in the partnership to ensure transparency, accountability, professionalism, and timely execution of the agreement.”
“The revival 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,” he added.
Comrade Oladiti called on the Federal Government and NNPC Ltd. to remain committed to policies and partnerships that prioritize national development, economic stability, and the welfare of the Nigerian people.
