Save Refinery, Save Our Future— Nigerians Warn Against Repeating Failed Privatizations
Dr. David Kingleo Elijah
By our reporter
As agitation grows anew over the proposed sale of the Port Harcourt Refinery, a coalition of concerned citizens and stakeholders has issued a stark warning to the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
They caution against a repeat of failed privatizations that could jeopardize Nigeria’s economic future.
At the forefront of this opposition is Prophet Dr. David Kingleo Elijah, who described the renewed push to privatize the strategically vital refinery as “a dangerous replay of history.”
He implores Nigerians to reject what he terms “economic deception disguised as reform.”
The coalition points to Nigeria’s troubled history with privatization, citing public asset sales such as the Eleme Petrochemicals Company and segments of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) as cautionary examples.
He said that despite billions generated through divestment, these initiatives have largely resulted in deteriorated infrastructure, persistent unemployment, and a worsening national debt burden.
“We must learn from our past mistakes,” . “These assets belong to all Nigerians, not a privileged few. Selling the refinery will not resolve our economic challenges; it will enrich a select few while deepening public disillusionment.” he added.
The coalition argues that privatization is frequently framed as an indispensable economic reform, yet in practice, it often facilitates the transfer of national wealth to elite interests. This process, they contend, has consistently eroded public trust and exacerbated Nigeria’s socio-economic divide.
They warn that selling the Port Harcourt Refinery risks creating a monopolized oil sector, triggering higher fuel prices, widespread job losses, and diminished public accountability.
Instead, the group advocates for the government to complete the refinery’s rehabilitation, enforce operational transparency, and pursue partnerships that preserve public ownership while attracting necessary technical expertise.
Highlighting the refinery’s broader significance, Prophet Dr. Elijah underscores its spiritual and symbolic value.
“This refinery is more than steel and oil it represents national pride and potential. We must safeguard it for our children and generations yet unborn.”
The statement further urges the NNPCL to stand firm, resisting pressures from those who view Nigeria’s economic infrastructure as mere bargaining chips for personal gain.
Amidst economic uncertainty and an escalating cost of living crisis, this call to protect the Port Harcourt Refinery resonates deeply. For many Nigerians, the refinery is not just an industrial facility but a promise of sustainable development and national self-reliance still waiting to be fulfilled.
