NNPC Refineries Need to be Revived to Avoid ‘Monopolistic Dominance’ — Fuel Marketers

Following the recent leadership transition within the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has made a strong case for the urgent revival of the country’s government-owned refineries.

The four state refineries being managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company have been in disrepair for years. 

In a statement released on Monday, PETROAN congratulated the newly elected NUPENG President, Salimon Oladiti and highlighted that a primary mission for the new leadership must be sustained advocacy for the full operationalization of Nigeria’s refining assets.

The National President of PETROAN, Billy Gillis-Harry, emphasized that bringing the state-owned refineries back to life is no longer just a matter of industrial policy but a necessity for national economic survival. 

According to him, functional government refineries are the key to promoting healthy competition within the downstream sector and, critically, preventing the emergence of a “monopolistic dominance” that could harm consumers and retailers alike.

“Restoring these refineries will create employment opportunities across the entire value chain and significantly boost national economic development,” Gillis-Harry said. 

Beyond the call for government action, PETROAN also encouraged the new NUPENG leadership to foster a productive relationship with private sector players, specifically the Dangote Refinery. The association believes that a collaborative environment between organized labor and major refining operators is vital for ensuring fair market practices and overall industrial growth.