A community leader and national spokesperson of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Dr. Joseph Obele, has condemned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) decision to exclude the Port Harcourt Refining Company from its privatization plans.
Dr. Obele, who is also a lecturer at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, criticized the move, describing it as a setback for transparency, accountability, and economic revitalization. He said the decision to sell off the Warri and Kaduna refineries while retaining the Port Harcourt facility under NNPC control raises concerns, particularly in light of the company’s history of corruption and inefficiency.
“NNPC has a well-documented record of mismanagement and failure to deliver on refinery operations, which has contributed to recurring fuel scarcity, price instability, and broader economic hardship for Nigerians,” he said.
Citing the positive impact of private sector management in similar ventures, such as Indorama Petrochemical in Eleme, Obele argued that privatizing the Port Harcourt refinery would deliver improved efficiency, attract investment, create jobs, and stimulate local and national economic growth.
He listed several potential benefits of privatization, including enhanced productivity, technology transfer, transparency, and greater revenue generation for the government.
Obele appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the decision and ensure the Port Harcourt refinery is included in the ongoing privatization efforts.
“The local community is prepared to work hand-in-hand with any private investor to ensure the success of the refinery. We are ready to offer maximum cooperation for the benefit of our people and the nation,” he assured.
The call comes amid growing public scrutiny of NNPC operations and ongoing efforts by the federal government to reform the oil and gas sector.
