The need for the Federal government and other stakeholders to look into the resuscitation of the nation’s ailing refineries, to mitigate the pains of fuel subsidy removal have been emphasized.
Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori made the call while playing host to the President and the national executive committee of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) at the Government House, Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori disclosed that the failure of the nation’s refineries to refine petroleum products over the years, had adversely impacted on the economy of the country, adding that there was urgent need for prompt action to be taken to reverse the ugly trend.
The Governor tasked NUPENG to ensure that things were done properly in the oil and gas sector so that the nation could put an end to the importation of refined petroleum products.
He attributed the spate of increase in the prices of goods in the country, to the nation’s over dependence on imported products.
Governor Oborevwori commended NUPENG for its inputs in the oil and gas sector, and encouraged them to continue to represent the interest of the masses.
He noted that the decision of his administration to award contracts to build flyover bridges and roads in Warri and Effurun was a deliberate effort to address the challenge of bad roads and decongest traffic in the oil rich city.
Governor Oborevwori said 70 percent of the Ughelli/Asaba Road dualisation project had been completed, assuring that his administration would do more in the area of human capital and infrastructural development.
He said motorable roads would help boost the economy of the country and urged the federal government to as a matter of urgency, rehabilitate federal roads.
On the skill acquisition centre project to be executed by NUPENG, the governor said his administration would partner with them in the execution of the project through the provision of land and other logistics.
NUPENG president, Comrade Akporeha said the visit was to congratulate the Governor on his laudable achievements in 100 days in office and to seek ways of partnership.
Comrade Akporeha said NUPENG had concluded plans to build a skill acquisition centre in Warri to train youths in the state.
While thanking the Governor for his workers’ friendly disposition, he urged the Governor to create the enabling environment for more investors to come and invest in the state, noting that Delta State is an investment destination.
The NUPENG president appealed for the state government’s assistance in rehabilitating the deplorable federal roads leading to fuel depots in the state