The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association has called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to disclose full details of its refinery rehabilitation agreement with two Chinese firms.
Gatekeepers News reports that the demand follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding on April 30 between NNPC and Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited as well as Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd to explore partnerships for the completion and operation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde said Nigeria cannot afford another failed refinery rehabilitation exercise after spending an estimated $25 billion on previous turnaround maintenance projects with little visible results.
The statement, titled “Enough of MoU Governance and Failed Revamps on Port Harcourt and Other Refineries,” criticised repeated refinery rehabilitation efforts that have failed to deliver sustainable refining output despite massive public spending.
“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.”
The NECA director-general stated that Nigerians deserve clear explanations regarding previous refinery rehabilitation expenditures, audit reports, and safeguards against delays, cost overruns, and recurring operational failures.
He also urged the NNPC to provide details of the technical partnerships, local content arrangements, and technology transfer components of the agreement with the Chinese firms.
According to Oyerinde, businesses across the country have suffered for decades from energy insecurity driven by rising production costs, fuel import dependence, and job losses linked to the poor state of the nation’s refineries.
He reiterated NECA’s long-standing position advocating the privatisation or concession of the refineries, insisting that governance reforms must precede further rehabilitation efforts.
Oyerinde added that the association would only support refinery revamp initiatives conducted under transparent, accountable, and commercially viable arrangements capable of restoring public confidence.
NECA Launches ESG Guide For MSMEs
Meanwhile, the association has launched an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) implementation guide for micro, small and medium enterprises in Nigeria.
The initiative, unveiled in partnership with the International Labour Organization, is aimed at strengthening sustainable business practices and improving the competitiveness of small businesses.
According to NECA, the guide is designed to help MSMEs integrate ESG principles into their operations through practical and accessible strategies.
Speaking at the launch, Oyerinde said ESG has become a critical factor in determining business sustainability, competitiveness, and access to opportunities globally.
“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.”
He noted that many MSMEs still struggle to understand and implement ESG requirements effectively, prompting the association and its partners to develop the guide following extensive research on ESG awareness and adoption among Nigerian businesses.
Oyerinde reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to supporting businesses through training, advisory services, and strategic partnerships aimed at deepening ESG adoption across sectors.
He also called on government agencies, financial institutions, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to collaborate in creating an enabling environment for MSMEs.
“For Nigeria, supporting MSMEs to adopt ESG practices is also central to achieving inclusive economic growth, job creation, and sustainable national development,” he said.
Following the launch, NECA organised a capacity-building training session for 60 selected participants to provide practical insights into implementing ESG principles within their organisations.
