The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has extended an invitation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo to visit the newly rehabilitated Port Harcourt Refinery, responding to his recent skepticism about its operational capacity.
Obasanjo’s Critique Sparks NNPCL’s Response
In light of Obasanjo’s comments during an interview with Channels Television, where he questioned the refinery’s ability to function effectively, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, issued an invitation. Soneye emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency and the importance of firsthand verification of the refinery’s progress.
A Call for Collaboration and Insight
“We invite our esteemed former president to join us in this effort as we continue to deliver energy security for our nation and provide tangible benefits to Nigerians,” Soneye stated, valuing Obasanjo’s experience and urging him to witness the transformation himself. NNPCL has positioned itself as an integrated energy company, not just limited to oil and gas, with significant achievements in refinery rehabilitation.
NNPCL’s Transformation and Commitment to Excellence
Soneye highlighted that the current renovations at Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries are not mere maintenance but comprehensive overhauls aimed at meeting international standards. This initiative marks NNPC’s evolution from a loss-incurring government corporation to a profit-driven private entity focused on energy security.
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Clarifying Misconceptions and Past Decisions
Addressing media speculation, Soneye dismissed rumors about halting crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery as baseless. He also touched on the historical context provided by Obasanjo, who had once tried to involve Aliko Dangote in managing the refineries through a public-private partnership, an initiative that was reversed by his successor upon NNPC’s claim of capability.
Obasanjo’s Perspective on Refinery Management
Obasanjo recounted his attempts to involve Shell in managing the refineries, which they declined due to various operational and ethical reasons, including the refineries’ small scale, poor maintenance, and the pervasive corruption within the sector. This historical perspective underscores the challenges faced in managing Nigeria’s oil refining infrastructure.
This invitation by NNPCL not only aims to clarify the current status of the Port Harcourt Refinery but also seeks to leverage the wisdom and experience of a former leader in shaping the future of Nigeria’s energy sector.
