NUPENG kicks against hijack of modular Refineries

The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has kicked against the hijack of modular refineries by capitalists, maintaining that the original idea of setting up modular refineries should not be politicized.  

The out going President of the Union, Igwe Achese, stated this yesterday during the 4th Quadrennial Delegates Conference held in Rivers State. Achese noted that if the Federal Government partners with the state and local governments to get investors into the refinery, it will go a long way to stop the ongoing illegal bunkering and create jobs for hundreds of youths.

He further reiterated that the four national refineries should be revamped in order to get the country out of the persistent problem of fuel scarcity. 

Achese said if the refineries were fully working, there would be less dependence on importation of petroleum products, which is putting so much pressure on scarce foreign exchange.

He urged the president to speedily assent to the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), which the Senate and House of Representatives have already passed.

He, however, regretted that insecurity remains the biggest challenge facing the country despite huge funds committed to it and urged the government to be alive to its responsibility and stop the carnage.

Speaking also, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who laid a foundation for Tankers Drivers Park with the Union at Eleme Local Government of the State, said the process would bring orderliness and enhance the activities of the sector, employ youths and generate revenue.