The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has expressed concern over the new agreement signed between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Chinese companies to restart and expand the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
NECA said Nigeria cannot afford another failed refinery rehabilitation project after spending billions of dollars in the past without good results.
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In a statement, NECA Director-General Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde said Nigerians deserve clear explanations about previous refinery repair projects before the government signs new agreements.
According to him, Nigeria reportedly spent more than N11 trillion, about $25 billion, on refinery repairs and maintenance between 2010 and 2023, but the country’s refineries are still not working properly.
NECA especially mentioned the $1.5 billion rehabilitation project approved for the Port Harcourt Refinery in 2021.
The group said that despite government promises, the refinery has not produced enough refined petroleum products consistently.
Oyerinde said Nigerians still remember the huge amount spent on the Port Harcourt refinery without visible success.
He also explained that the refinery has gone through several repair projects since the 1990s, including between 2000–2010, 2012–2015, and 2016–2021, but the projects did not achieve lasting results.
NECA questioned the transparency of the new agreement with the Chinese firms and asked the government to fully reveal the details of the deal. The group wants information on the partnership terms, procurement process, technology transfer plans, and measures to prevent extra costs and delays.
The association also demanded accountability for previous spending on the refineries, saying public trust can only return if the government is open and shows real results.
According to NECA, Nigerian businesses have suffered for many years because of energy problems, high fuel import costs, and loss of jobs.
The group repeated its earlier position that the government should consider privatising or giving the refineries to private operators instead of continuing endless repair projects funded with public money.
NECA said it supports efforts to revive the Port Harcourt refinery because it could create jobs and reduce fuel shortages, but only if the process is transparent and properly managed.
The association added that Nigerians are tired of hearing announcements about agreements and refinery repairs while fuel prices remain very high.