The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has called on the Federal Government to reconsider its agreement with Chinese companies on the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries, warning that the country could lose control of its oil resources.
He made the call during the first session of the 13th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja held at St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, on Saturday.
His reaction follows the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and two Chinese firms for the rehabilitation, operation and maintenance of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
The agreement has continued to attract criticism from stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, with concerns over transparency, accountability and Nigeria’s growing dependence on foreign partners.
Speaking at the Synod, The Primate said the Federal Government should instead consider handing the refineries to capable Nigerian investors who would revive the facilities and reinvest profits into the nation’s economy.
According to him, allowing foreign firms to dominate the sector could expose the country to further exploitation.
“The recent handover of the national refineries to China must be reconsidered so that some are given to competent Nigerians who will plow back their gains into Nigeria,” he said.
The Anglican Primate acknowledged that President Bola Tinubu inherited serious economic challenges but noted that some reforms introduced by the administration were beginning to stabilise key economic indicators.
However, he lamented that many Nigerians were yet to feel the impact of the reforms, citing the rising level of poverty across the country.
“With millions of Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty, macroeconomic gains have not translated into relief for ordinary citizens,” he stated.
Ndukuba also expressed concern over Nigeria’s rising debt profile, high lending rates and persistent electricity challenges, warning that the country’s dream of achieving a $1 trillion economy may remain difficult without stable power supply.
On the political situation in the country, the cleric accused politicians of focusing more on preparations for the 2027 elections instead of governance and citizens’ welfare.
He further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and ensure credible elections in 2027.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who also spoke at the event, decried the increasing level of moral decline and violence in society.
Jonathan said Nigeria would overcome its current challenges with committed leadership and collective effort, adding that national development requires discipline and consistency over time.
