The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has praised the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited for successfully restarting crude oil processing at the Port Harcourt refinery, calling it a significant step toward energy independence.
However, the union has urged the NNPC to expedite the rehabilitation of the Warri and Kaduna refineries to ensure broader economic benefits and energy security for the nation.
Following the announcement that the Port Harcourt refinery has resumed crude oil processing and begun loading petroleum products such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Household Kerosene (HHK), NUPENG leaders Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale commended the NNPC for achieving this long-awaited milestone.
“This development symbolizes a beacon of hope for addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges and easing the burden on workers and citizens,” the union noted in a statement.
NUPENG highlighted the successful execution of the Port Harcourt project, which achieved over 16 million manhours without any loss-time injuries, as an example of excellence in project execution.
While celebrating the progress in Port Harcourt, NUPENG emphasized the urgent need to complete the rehabilitation of the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
According to the union, bringing these facilities online would provide the much-needed stimulus for Nigeria’s economy, reduce dependency on imported petroleum products, and alleviate the hardships caused by fuel scarcity and fluctuating energy prices.
“The Port Harcourt milestone reinforces our optimism for the successful rehabilitation of other key refineries.
The completion of these projects will further strengthen Nigeria’s drive for energy independence,” NUPENG said.
NUPENG also acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the NNPC board of directors, and contractors for their support in achieving this landmark.
The union attributed the success to collaborative efforts and a shared commitment to national progress, urging all stakeholders to replicate this model for other ongoing projects.
As Nigerians celebrate the reopening of the Port Harcourt refinery, NUPENG’s call to fast-track work on Warri and Kaduna underscores the broader goal of revitalizing the country’s refining capacity.
These efforts, if successful, could significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, stabilize energy prices, and strengthen the nation’s economy.
With the Port Harcourt refinery serving as proof of what can be accomplished, the union’s message to the NNPC is clear: the journey to energy independence is far from over, and time is of the essence.