Chinese Firms for Refinery Revival: A Flawed Choice, Argues Omojuwa

ThisDay's opinion piece strongly criticizes the Nigerian government's decision to involve Chinese firms in the revival of its refineries, framing it as a continuation of costly, failed policies. The author, Joshua J. Omojuwa, invokes Nigeria's past anti-apartheid stance as a metaphor for the need for transparency in government dealings, arguing that deals shrouded in secrecy are bound to fail. He points to the staggering sums, over $27 billion since the 1990s, poured into state refineries with little to show, contrasting this with the efficiency of private sector projects. Omojuwa contends that Nigeria's approach to privatization has often been marred by a lack of transparency and genuine competition, benefiting connected individuals rather than the nation. He stresses that prioritizing local capacity through structured partnerships, rather than opaque deals, should be the standard, a principle he feels is being ignored in favor of foreign interests. The piece reflects a deep-seated frustration within Nigeria about the mismanagement of its resources and a skepticism towards deals that lack clear accountability, especially when they involve foreign entities.

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A deal that cannot survive sunlight at inception will not survive scrutiny in operation should be on the walls of every Ministry and Agency in Abuja.