Church Warns Tinubu Govt Against ‘Surrendering’ Refineries to Chinese Firms

By Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Henry Ndukuba, has called on the Federal Government to reverse the refinery rehabilitation agreement between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and Chinese firms.He warns that Nigeria risks losing control of its oil resources.

The Primate made the call during the 13th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja held at Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in Abuja.

Ndukuba criticised the decision to involve foreign companies in the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, insisting that competent Nigerian investors should instead be given the opportunity to revive the facilities and reinvest profits into the local economy.

He alleged that continued dependence on foreign interests could expose the country’s oil sector to exploitation.

The cleric acknowledged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited a troubled economy and noted that some reforms had improved key economic indicators.

But he further stressed that millions of Nigerians were still trapped in hardship, saying the benefits of the reforms had not translated into relief for ordinary citizens struggling with poverty, inflation and high living costs.

Ndukuba expressed concern over Nigeria’s rising debt burden, expensive lending rates and worsening electricity crisis, warning that the country’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy would remain unrealistic without stable power supply.

The church leader also accused politicians of focusing more on preparations for the 2027 elections than on governance and citizens’ welfare, while urging the Independent National Electoral Commission to remain neutral in future elections.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who also spoke at the event, lamented the growing moral decline and rising violence in the country. He said Nigeria could still overcome its present challenges through disciplined leadership, national unity and the commitment of both political and religious leaders to rebuilding the nation.