President Bola Tinubu has said the Port Harcourt refinery would be ready for production by December this year as his government looks to end fuel importation.
Tinubu gave the assurance to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and that of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Festus Usifo, during a meeting on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa.
Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Media, who made the revelation in a press statement after the meeting also hinted that the labour unions had decided to suspend their ongoing nationwide protests.
“Consequent upon the fruitful and frank discussion with President Tinubu and their confidence in his ability to encourage open and honest consideration of all the issues put forward by the Labour Movement, the Labour Leaders resolved to stop further protest,” the statement read in part.
“They opted for further constructive engagement with the government to resolve all outstanding issues as they affect the working people and Nigerians in general.
“President Tinubu gave his commitment to the Labour leaders that the Port Harcourt refineries will start production by December 2023 after the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation contract between NNPCL and Italian firm, Maire Tecnimont SpA.
“President Tinubu assured the Labour leaders that he would continue to work for the best interest of Nigeria while pleading with the Labour leaders to join hands with him to birth a better and economically buoyant country.”
