President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to accelerate work on reviving three key oil refineries in the country. These include the second Port Harcourt refinery, as well as the Warri and Kaduna refineries. His remarks come on the heels of the successful rehabilitation of the first Port Harcourt refinery, which has now begun loading petroleum products as of November 26, 2024.
The President extended warm congratulations to NNPCL on this milestone achievement. He also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari’s pivotal role in initiating comprehensive efforts to rehabilitate the nation’s refineries. Tinubu expressed gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for providing essential financial support to bring this ambitious project to life.
According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu praised the leadership of NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari. The President commended Kyari’s determination and hard work in overcoming significant challenges to achieve this progress.
The statement said, “With the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, President Tinubu urges NNPC Limited to expedite the scheduled reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
“These efforts will significantly enhance domestic production capacity alongside the contributions of privately owned refineries and make our country a major energy hub, with the gas sector also enjoying unprecedented attention by the administration.
“The President underscores his administration’s determination to repair the nation’s refineries, aiming to eradicate the disheartening perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer that lacks the ability to refine its own resources for domestic consumption.”
Highlighting the values of patience, integrity, and accountability in the rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure, President Tinubu called upon individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation.
“In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda focused on shared economic prosperity for all, the President reaffirms his administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and boosting export capacity for Nigeria,” it added.
