The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has asked NNPC Limited to disclose full details of its refinery revamp agreement with two Chinese firms, warning against another failed rehabilitation exercise after years of costly refinery projects.
The demand follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on April 30 between NNPC and Chinese firms Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd for the completion and operation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
In a statement issued on Sunday and titled “Enough of MoU Governance and Failed Revamps on Port Harcourt and Other Refineries”, NECA Director-General Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde said Nigeria could not afford another failed refinery rehabilitation after spending about $25 billion on turnaround maintenance projects with little measurable success.
According to him, repeated rehabilitation efforts at the Port Harcourt refinery have failed to deliver sustainable refining output despite massive public investments over the years.
“It will be unpatriotic to endorse another opaque refinery deal while questions surrounding past spending and failed rehabilitation projects remain unresolved,” Oyerinde said.
“Nigeria cannot continue spending billions of dollars on refinery turnaround maintenance without sustainable refining output or measurable economic value.
“NNPC must rebuild public trust through transparency, accountability and a clear business model capable of ending repeated refinery rehabilitation failures.”
Oyerinde said Nigerians deserve clear explanations regarding previous refinery spending, audit outcomes, and safeguards against delays, cost overruns, and recurring operational failures.
He also urged NNPC to disclose details of the proposed technical partnerships, local content plans, and technology transfer arrangements tied to the agreement.
The NECA boss noted that businesses across the country have suffered decades of energy insecurity caused by rising production costs, continued fuel import dependence, and job losses linked to dysfunctional refineries.
He reiterated the association’s call for the privatisation or concession of the refineries, insisting that governance reforms must come before further rehabilitation projects.
According to him, NECA would only support refinery revamp efforts conducted under transparent, accountable, and commercially sustainable arrangements capable of restoring public confidence.
NECA Launches ESG Guide For Nigerian MSMEs
Meanwhile, NECA has unveiled an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) implementation guide for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria in partnership with the International Labour Organization.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening sustainable business practices and improving the competitiveness of small businesses across Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch, Oyerinde described ESG as a major global business priority shaping long-term sustainability, competitiveness, and access to opportunities for organisations.
He said many MSMEs still struggle to understand and implement ESG requirements in a cost-effective manner, prompting NECA and its partners to develop the guide after extensive research into ESG awareness and adoption levels among Nigerian businesses.
“From investors and regulators to consumers and global value chains, there is a growing expectation for businesses, regardless of size, to demonstrate responsible and sustainable practices,” he said.
“This guide is designed to be practical, accessible, and action-oriented. It provides MSMEs with clear guidance on understanding ESG concepts, implementing sustainable business practices, identifying ESG risks and opportunities, and positioning their businesses for improved access to finance and market opportunities.”
Oyerinde added that NECA would continue supporting businesses through training, advisory services, and strategic partnerships aimed at deepening ESG adoption across sectors.
