The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) is urging the federal government to privatize the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). According to PETROAN’s National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, privatization is the key to making these refineries productive, rather than relying on government funding for rehabilitation.

Despite significant investments in the refineries, there has been little output, prompting PETROAN to call for a transparent privatization process to be completed by the first quarter of 2026. The association argues that continued government ownership is a waste of resources and hinders progress in the downstream petroleum sector. Gillis-Harry emphasized that sustained public funding has failed to deliver optimal results, making private sector-led management inevitable for achieving energy security and stability.

The call for privatization comes amid ongoing debate over the future of the state-owned refineries. The Group Chief Executive of NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, has stated that privatization is still an option after a successful review of the facilities. PETROAN’s appeal is based on the belief that private sector involvement will bring the necessary expertise and investment to make the refineries productive.

The Nigerian government has spent billions of naira on rehabilitating the four refineries, but the results have been underwhelming. PETROAN’s proposal is aimed at putting an end to the cycle of ineffective government funding and promoting a more sustainable solution. By privatizing the refineries, the government can unlock their potential and create a more efficient and competitive downstream petroleum sector.

The privatization of the refineries is seen as a crucial step towards achieving energy security and stability in Nigeria. With the country’s growing energy needs, it is essential to have a reliable and efficient refining capacity. PETROAN’s call for privatization is a timely reminder of the need for a new approach to managing the state-owned refineries. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to PETROAN’s proposal and whether privatization will be the solution to Nigeria’s refining woes.