Women Storm NNPC Towers, Demand Immediate Rehabilitation of Warri Refinery

A group of over 100 women, representing various civil society organisations (CSOs) has staged a peaceful protest at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Warri on Tuesday, November 5, calling for the immediate rehabilitation of the Warri Refinery.

The rise against the “act of irresponsibility” announced by the spokesperson of the group, Engr. Efe Irabor, on Tuesday, October 29, voiced concerns about reports suggesting that the refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri might be converted into blending plants. Irabor warned that such a move would allow cronies to continue importing substandard products, which are often high in sulfur and pose serious environmental risks to local communities.

Chanting slogans such as “refinery must work, NNPC must work,” the protesters demanded transparency from NNPCL management, including Group Managing Director Mele Kyari. They questioned why the $3 billion allocated for the rehabilitation of the Warri Refinery had not been utilised effectively.

“We want answers,” one protester said. “Refinery must work, they should stop speaking English. From here, we are heading to the Abuja office.”

In a statement earlier this year, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, assured that the Warri Refinery would be fully rehabilitated by the first quarter of 2024.

However, with the deadline now passed, the protesters have raised alarm over the continued delay in project delivery.