*Caution against past failures, needs for transparency, accountability, and the timely execution
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has lauded the Federal Government and the NNPC for partnering with Chinese firms, specifically Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xingcheng (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, to rehabilitate the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.
This Technical Equity Partnership (TEP) aims to boost local refining capacity and enhance energy security.
NUPENG President Salimon Oladiti welcomed the initiative, highlighting its potential to curb high fuel costs and boost employment.
However, the union cautioned against past failures, demanding transparency, accountability, and the timely execution of the project to ensure it is not merely a “political announcement”.
While groups like the Nigeria Citizens Watch for Good Governance (NCWGG) hailed the deal as a “strategic masterstroke”, some experts have questioned the expertise of the selected Chinese companies, urging for a more competitive bidding process.
