The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) warned Monday that Nigeria’s idle refineries and their politics could shape the next election unless the plants are returned to steady production.
In a press note, Dr Joseph Obele, national publicity officer of PETROAN, said the country’s state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna “were abandoned for many years.”
He added that “the Port Harcourt Refinery underwent rehabilitation at a cost of about $1.5 billion and resumed operations in November 2024,” but was later shut down on May 24, 2025, along with similar problems at Warri and Kaduna.
Obele said restarting the refineries brought quick local benefits.
“Within the first six months of operation, business activities resumed around the refinery host communities, leading to increased commercial engagement and the employment of youths,” he wrote.
He warned that politicians would make the refineries a campaign issue.
“As Nigeria approaches another election season, the condition of the refineries will become a critical campaign issue,” the statement said, adding that parties will use “narratives of abandonment, neglect, mismanagement, and alleged fraud” for political gain.
Obele argued that more working refineries would lower pump prices and reduce imports.
“Multiple functional refineries operating simultaneously will reduce import dependence, improve supply stability, and create pricing advantages that directly benefit consumers,” he said, calling current fuel costs “outrageous” and a source of “severe hardship on citizens.”
He urged action: “My advice to the ruling party is to take decisive action to ensure that the nation-owned refineries resume and sustain operations by the first quarter of 2026.”
He concluded: “Ultimately, the party that demonstrates genuine commitment to the revival and efficient management of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries will be a major determinant of voter support in the next general election.”
