ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Tinubu has issued a firm assurance to petroleum workers that Nigeria’s long-moribund refineries will be revived and restored to full operational capacity, delivering a message of hope to an industry that has endured decades of neglect and dysfunction.
The president made the pledge during a high-level meeting with leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers at the State House on Thursday, where he emphasized that the revitalization of the nation’s refining sector remains a top priority of his administration. The meeting, which sources described as cordial and productive, saw both parties engage in extensive dialogue on the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
“I am committed to ensuring that our refineries work again,” Tinubu declared with visible conviction. “We cannot continue to export crude oil and import refined products while our own facilities lie idle. That is economic madness, and it ends with this administration.”
The president’s remarks come amid growing frustration among petroleum workers and industry stakeholders over the prolonged shutdown of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, which have collectively operated at a fraction of their installed capacity for years. Despite billions of dollars spent on turn-around maintenance projects, the refineries remain largely non-functional, leaving Africa’s largest oil producer dependent on imported petroleum products.
Tinubu acknowledged the workers’ frustrations but urged patience, assuring them that ongoing rehabilitation efforts are making tangible progress. He disclosed that the Port Harcourt Refinery is now scheduled to commence production by year-end, with Warri and Kaduna to follow in subsequent phases. The president emphasized that the revival process would prioritize not just functionality but also profitability and global competitiveness.
“We are not just fixing pipes and valves,” Tinubu explained. “We are reimagining the entire value chain. Our refineries must be productive, profitable, and sustainable. They must serve the Nigerian people, not just politicians and their cronies.”
The president also used the occasion to address the broader energy transition, highlighting the administration’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s compressed natural gas infrastructure. He described CNG as a cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable alternative to petrol, urging petroleum workers to see the transition as an opportunity rather than a threat.
“Nigerians deserve relief from the skyrocketing cost of fuel,” Tinubu stated. “CNG is the future, and we are building the infrastructure to make it accessible to every Nigerian. Our petroleum workers must adapt and position themselves for the opportunities that this transition will bring.”
NUPENG leadership, led by President Williams Akporeha, welcomed the president’s assurances but called for concrete timelines and transparent accountability mechanisms. The union has been particularly vocal about the precarious state of Nigeria’s refineries, warning that continued neglect threatens the livelihoods of thousands of workers and undermines national energy security.
“We have heard promises before,” Akporeha said following the meeting. “What we need now is action. President Tinubu has given us his word, and we will hold him to it. Our members are ready to work, but they must have the tools and the conditions to succeed.”
Industry analysts have expressed cautious optimism about the president’s latest commitment, noting that previous administrations have made similar pledges without delivering results. However, they acknowledge that the current economic climate, characterized by fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange volatility, provides unprecedented urgency for domestic refining capacity.
“This is the moment of truth for Nigeria’s refining sector,” said Dr. Emmanuel Oladipo, an energy economist. “With subsidy gone, there is no justification for continued import dependency. The economics now favor local refining, and the president appears to understand this. But execution will be the ultimate test.”
The federal government has allocated substantial resources to the refinery rehabilitation program, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited assuring the public that the projects are on track. NNPC has also expressed interest in attracting private investment to modernize the facilities and ensure long-term viability.
For petroleum workers, the president’s assurance represents a glimmer of hope in an industry that has seen better days. Many have faced uncertainty, delayed salaries, and dim career prospects as Nigeria’s refineries have limped along for years. The promise of revival, if fulfilled, would not only restore national pride but also create thousands of jobs and save billions of dollars in foreign exchange.
Tinubu concluded his remarks with a call for collective responsibility, urging all stakeholders to work together toward a shared vision of energy independence. “The task is enormous, but we are equal to it,” he said. “With determination, discipline, and the support of our workers, Nigeria will once again stand tall as a refining powerhouse. This is not just my promise; it is our destiny.”
