The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has called on all parties involved in the Federal Government's agreement with Chinese firms to revive the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries to ensure transparency, accountability, professionalism, and timely execution of the deal.
NUPENG Warns Against Empty Promises
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. The union emphasized that the agreement must lead to sustainable local refining capacity.
Union Commends Government, NNPCL
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 long-standing challenges in Nigeria's petroleum sector. He noted that it would reduce the country's heavy dependence on imported petroleum products despite its status as a major oil-producing nation.
Oladiti stated that 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.
Workers Bear the Brunt
In a statement released 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 stressed that the agreement with Chinese firms presents an opportunity for the country to reposition its oil and gas sector, restore public confidence in refining capacity, create employment opportunities, encourage industrial growth, strengthen energy security, and reduce economic pressure associated with fuel importation.
Nigerians Tired of Failed Promises
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.
