In the face of renewed calls for the sale of the Port Harcourt refinery, a body of concerned Nigerians has today issued a strong statement urging the Federal Government of Nigeria and the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to reject these demands.
The statement released to the media in Abuja on Friday by Dr David Kingleo Elijah, the secretary of Network of Concerned Citizens, highlights a growing concern among Nigerians that the sale of public assets only serves the interests of a select few, while the country as a whole fails to reap the benefits.
“The history of privatization in Nigeria has been fraught with disappointment. While past governments have sold off crucial national assets, including the Eleme Petrochemicals Company and various components of the former NEPA, the promised economic benefits for the masses have largely failed to materialize,” David said.
He added that, “the proceeds from these sales have not translated into sustainable economic growth, improved infrastructure, or a reduction in the country’s debt burden. Instead, Nigeria continues to borrow heavily from foreign nations, raising questions about the true purpose and outcome of these divestments.”
“These properties belong to the people of Nigeria. The practice of a few individuals ganging up to acquire our common wealth under the guise of privatization is a betrayal of the trust placed in our leaders. There is nothing to show for all the things the government has sold in the past. The country is still borrowing money, and the average Nigerian is left with a sense of loss and frustration,” the statement read.
The organization revealed that “the call to sell the Port Harcourt refinery is seen by many as a continuation of this negative trend. The refinery is a strategic national asset, and its sale would not only be a loss of public ownership but could also lead to the monopolization of the oil sector by a powerful few. This could result in higher prices for consumers, job losses, and a lack of accountability in the industry.”
“We strongly urge the NNPCL management to stand firm and ignore those who are calling for the sale of the Port Harcourt refinery. These individuals, whom we consider to be enemies of Nigeria’s collective progress, have a clear intention to deceive the government into a deal that will only serve their personal interests.
“Instead of selling off our assets, the government should focus on the following: Complete the ongoing Rehabilitation, Ensure accountability and Foster true or Foreign partnerships,” the statement concluded.
The Port Harcourt refinery, and indeed all our national assets, must be seen as a legacy for future generations. We must not allow short-term financial gains or the influence of a few powerful individuals to strip the nation of its strategic resources. The NNPCL has a mandate to serve the Nigerian people, and its primary responsibility should be to ensure the long-term viability and success of our national refineries.
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