Open Letter to the President of Nigeria
Dear Mr. President,
I hope this message finds you well. As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, you shoulder an enormous responsibility. This open letter marks my first attempt to address you directly since you assumed office, motivated by a deep sense of patriotism and a commitment to our nation’s future.
One of the greatest duties a nation’s leader bears is determining the course of its destiny. Your position not only grants you considerable constitutional power but also places you in a unique position to effect meaningful change. Therefore, I respectfully urge your attention to a matter of paramount national significance.
It is clear that proper leadership is validated not just by the infrastructure a president erects but also by the courage to dismantle ineffective systems. Your administration has bravely initiated the abolition of fuel subsidies and the liberalization of the foreign exchange market, actions that previous administrations avoided. However, the state of Nigeria’s four government-owned refineries—Port Harcourt I and II, Warri, and Kaduna—has remained dismal for far too long.
For decades, these refineries have consumed vast resources without delivering the benefits they were intended to provide. They have eroded public trust, drained financial resources from the oil sector, and failed to secure a reliable refining capacity for the nation. In essence, these assets have become a financial liability, robbing the country of funds urgently needed for health care, education, security, and critical infrastructure.
It is time to reassess our investments and actions regarding these refineries. Unlike the successful privatisation of Eleme Petrochemical under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, which set a benchmark for commercial success, the continued operation of these four refineries under public ownership has proved ineffective. Subsequent promises for turnaround maintenance and various rehabilitation plans have repeatedly fallen short, leaving citizens disillusioned.
Mr. President, the moment has arrived for you to make a significant decision. I urge you to direct NNPC Limited to transfer these refineries to the National Privatization Council and the Department of Public Enterprises. A transparent and competitive privatisation process can be executed within a year. Let us invite reputable domestic and international investors to compete fairly and transparently for these assets.
Internally, a proposed ownership structure could allocate 85% to core investors, 5% to host communities, and the remaining 10% for the federal government, thus fostering both local involvement and investor confidence. This approach would not only attract long-term capital but also protect the interests of Nigerian citizens and ensure compliance with national standards.
Please ensure that any potential partnerships are not mischaracterized. Privatization should not be framed as a “technical partnership” nor should it lead to behind-the-scenes arrangements that fail to uphold public trust. Proper channels exist to facilitate transparent transactions, shielding Nigeria from potential legal disputes and allowing a clear path for accountability.
As we look to the future, it is crucial for Nigeria to redirect its finite resources away from these underperforming assets and toward sectors that genuinely enhance the well-being of our citizens. Investments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure are imperative for creating opportunities for millions of young Nigerians.
In summary, the time for determined reform is upon us. Decisive action is required to liberate Nigerians from the burden of these failing refineries, allowing capable investors to seize the opportunity to revitalize this sector. By embracing transparency and adhering to the laws governing privatisation, you have a chance to leave a legacy of transformative change—one that future generations will commend.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan D. Kunle, Abuja
