NUPENG Backs NNPC, Urges Transparency in Warri, Port Harcourt Refinery Revival MoU

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has expressed strong support for the efforts of NNPC Limited to revive the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries. However, the union is urging that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) guiding the rehabilitation process must be fully transparent and accountable to the public.

In a statement issued on Thursday, NUPENG President Salmon Oladiti commended both the Federal Government and NNPC for pushing forward with the long-awaited refinery rehabilitation projects. He noted that restoring the facilities to full production capacity would help reduce Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported petroleum products.

Oladiti stressed that the continued failure of local refineries has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic challenges, including rising fuel prices, inflation, unemployment, foreign exchange pressure, and increased hardship for citizens. He explained that ordinary Nigerians have long borne the burden of an inefficient refining system.

He also highlighted that the proposed partnership involving Chinese firms presents an opportunity to reposition the country’s oil and gas sector. According to him, successful implementation could boost job creation, strengthen energy security, revive industrial growth, and reduce the economic strain caused by fuel imports.

However, the NUPENG leader warned that Nigerians are weary of repeated refinery rehabilitation announcements that do not lead to real results. He called on all stakeholders to ensure professionalism, transparency, and timely delivery, stressing that the project must not end as another unfulfilled promise.

source: Leadership