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). PETROAN’s National President, Billy Gillis‑Harry, argues that privatization is the only way to make these refineries productive, rather than relying on government funding for rehabilitation.
Despite significant investments, the refineries have produced little output, prompting PETROAN to call for a transparent privatization process to be completed by the first quarter of 2026. The association maintains that continued government ownership wastes resources and hampers progress in the downstream petroleum sector. Gillis‑Harry emphasized that sustained public funding has failed to deliver optimal results, making private‑sector management essential for achieving energy security and stability.
The call comes amid ongoing debate over the future of the state‑owned refineries. NNPCL Group Chief Executive Bayo Ojulari has said that privatization remains an option after a successful review of the facilities. PETROAN believes that private sector involvement will bring the expertise and investment needed to make the refineries productive.
The Nigerian government has spent billions of naira on rehabilitating the four refineries, yet the results have been underwhelming. PETROAN’s proposal aims to end the cycle of ineffective government funding and promote a more sustainable solution. By privatizing the refineries, the government could unlock their potential, creating a more efficient and competitive downstream petroleum sector.
Privatization is seen as a crucial step toward achieving energy security and stability in Nigeria, especially as the country’s energy needs continue to grow. PETROAN’s appeal underscores 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 and whether privatization will resolve Nigeria’s refining challenges.
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