A Niger Delta–based advocacy group has strongly criticized the recent shutdown of a major refinery, accusing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of mismanagement and raising alarm over looming job losses.
In a statement issued on Friday, the group said the refinery closure represents yet another setback for the oil-rich region, which has long complained of economic neglect despite being the hub of Nigeria’s crude production. According to the group, the shutdown will not only disrupt fuel supply but also displace workers, deepen unemployment, and heighten social tensions in the Niger Delta.
“The decision to close down the refinery at this time is insensitive and unacceptable,” the statement read. “Communities are already battling with poverty and environmental degradation, and now NNPCL’s poor handling of operations is threatening the livelihoods of thousands of families.”
The group alleged that mismanagement and lack of accountability within NNPCL have led to operational inefficiencies, wasteful spending, and declining trust among host communities. It further claimed that the company has failed to fulfill promises of job security and sustainable development in the region.
Local labor unions are reportedly in talks with the federal government to address the situation, warning that mass layoffs could spark industrial unrest if urgent steps are not taken.
Observers note that Nigeria has struggled for decades to maintain its state-owned refineries, with repeated shutdowns and repairs costing billions of naira without achieving lasting improvements. The latest development has renewed calls for transparency, reforms, and stronger oversight in the oil and gas sector.
The Niger Delta group urged the federal government to intervene immediately, reopen the refinery, and hold NNPCL accountable for its management practices. It also demanded a clear plan to safeguard jobs and ensure that the region benefits more directly from its oil wealth.