The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has cautioned the Federal Government against turning the revival of Warri and Port Harcourt refineries into another political announcement without tangible results.
NUPENG President Comrade Salmon Oladiti said the recent agreement between NNPC Ltd. and Chinese firms must translate into real economic relief for Nigerians facing rising fuel costs and inflation.
Speaking against the backdrop of the deal, Oladiti urged the government and NNPC to stay committed to partnerships that prioritise national development, economic stability, and citizen welfare.
He described the agreement as a significant step toward reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products despite being a major oil producer. For years, the collapse of local refineries has fuelled high transportation costs, pressure on foreign exchange, unemployment, and worsening living conditions, he said.
Oladiti noted that Nigerian workers and citizens have borne the burden of unstable fuel supply and harsh economic realities caused by the failure of domestic refining capacity.
The deal with the Chinese firms, he said, offers an opportunity to reposition the oil and gas sector, restore public confidence in local refining, create jobs, drive industrial growth, and strengthen energy security while cutting the economic strain of fuel imports.
“Nigerians are tired of repeated refinery rehabilitation promises that consume huge public funds without delivering results,” Oladiti stated.
He advised all parties to ensure transparency, accountability, professionalism, and timely execution of the agreement.
