- The President underscored his administration’s determination to repair the nation’s refineries, aiming to eliminate the disheartening perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer unable to refine its resources for domestic use.
President Bola Tinubu has praised the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited for revitalizing the Port Harcourt refinery.
NNPCL announced the official start of crude oil processing at the refinery after three years of rehabilitation.
Tinubu urged NNPC to speed up reactivating the Warri and Kaduna refineries through his special adviser, Bayo Onanuga.
He acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari’s role in rehabilitating the refineries and thanked the African Export-Import Bank for financing.
“The President acknowledges the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all our refineries and expresses gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project,” the statement reads.
“Furthermore, President Tinubu commends the leadership of NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, whose unwavering dedication and commitment were instrumental in overcoming challenges to achieve this milestone.”
“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.”
Tinubu noted that starting petrol production will increase domestic output and make Nigeria an energy hub.
He asked those managing public infrastructure to prioritize national service.
“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.”
“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.”