The continued shutdown of Nigeria’s Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries could worsen fuel prices, deepen import dependence and emerge as a major political issue ahead of the 2027 general elections, petroleum marketers have warned.
The Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) said the failure to sustain operations at the state-owned refineries, despite heavy public investment, risks undermining economic recovery efforts and eroding public confidence in government reforms.
PETROAN Flags Economic and Political Risks
Speaking in Port Harcourt, PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Joseph Obele, expressed concern that the prolonged refinery shutdowns could reverse recent gains in the downstream sector.
Nigeria’s Port Harcourt Refinery, which was rehabilitated at a cost of about $1.5 billion, briefly resumed operations in November 2024 before shutting down again on May 24, 2025, alongside ongoing challenges at the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
According to Obele, the short operational window of the Port Harcourt Refinery demonstrated clear economic benefits for host communities.
“Within the first six months of operation, business activities resumed around the refinery host communities, leading to increased commercial engagement and youth employment,” he said.
He warned that refinery abandonment and allegations of mismanagement could dominate political debates as the country moves closer to the next election cycle.
Fuel Prices, Imports and Downstream Stability
PETROAN stressed that functional refineries are critical to stabilising Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market and easing the burden of high fuel costs on consumers.
“The resumption of refinery operations will introduce healthy competition in the downstream sector, which is expected to drive down petroleum product prices,” Obele said, describing current fuel prices as “outrageous” and a source of widespread hardship.
He added that operating multiple refineries simultaneously would significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, improve supply stability and create pricing advantages for consumers.
“Multiple functional refineries will reduce import dependence, improve supply stability and directly benefit consumers through better pricing,” he noted.
Call for Action Ahead of 2027 Elections
PETROAN urged the Federal Government to act decisively by turning refinery revival into a visible economic win ahead of the 2027 elections.
“My advice to the ruling party is to ensure that the nation-owned refineries resume and sustain operations by the first quarter of 2026,” Obele said, noting that this would translate into job creation, increased business activities and renewed engagement with host communities.
He concluded that voter sentiment would be shaped more by tangible outcomes than political messaging.
“Ultimately, the party that demonstrates genuine commitment to the revival and efficient management of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries will be a major determinant of voter support in the next general election,” Obele added.
