Groups Hail Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Urges Review of Refinery Closure

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja 

A coalition of civil society organisations, legal advocacy groups, and pro-reform activists, yesterday commended President Bola Tinubu’s sweeping reforms in the oil and gas sector.

They said the bold initiatives, including efforts to attract foreign investment, rehabilitate local refineries, and reposition the sector for global competitiveness, were being embraced by stakeholders both within and outside the country.

The civic coalitions and legal advocacy groups, nevertheless raised concerns over the decision of the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to shut down one of the nation’s refineries in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the coalition urged the NNPCL management to review its action.

The groups under the umbrella of the Renewed Hope Interest Defenders, expressed support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda while voicing dissatisfaction with recent developments within the national oil company.

The groups cited what they described as operational setbacks and communication lapses in NNPCL’s leadership as reasons for their concerns. 

They urged the federal government to address what they termed “management issues” that could hinder the President’s broader economic and energy reforms.

Spokesperson for the coalition, Mr. Agu Obed, while addressing journalists, stated that the concerns raised were not political but aligned with national interest. 

He said, “We are here because we believe in President Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. But certain actions and policy choices within the NNPCL risk undermining that vision.”

The groups called for a more inclusive and transparent management approach, stressing the need for stable leadership capable of driving investor confidence, accountability, and efficiency in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

While they acknowledged recent investments in refinery rehabilitation, the groups expressed disappointment over the temporary suspension of operations at some facilities.

They called for an independent technical audit to determine the state of the refineries. 

According to them, transparency and stakeholder engagement remain essential in sustaining the trust of citizens and investors alike.

Obed said, “We urge the federal government to ensure that all reforms are backed by competence, vision, and transparency.”

He emphasised the need for professionalism and unity within NNPCL’s leadership team.

The coalition issued a 14-day notice for government action on their concerns while reiterating their support for the President’s oil sector reforms, which they described as bold, strategic, and capable of positioning Nigeria as a key energy player globally.