- Warri refinery has restarted operations after years of inactivity
- President Tinubu celebrated the restart as a key “remarkable milestone” for 2024
- He also called for accelerated work on Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries
Reacting to the Warri Refinery’s resumption at 60% capacity, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu emphasised that his administration's ambitious strategy for energy security and efficiency is on track.
President Tinubu, in a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Monday, December 29, described the reopening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) as a key "remarkable milestone" for 2024, which has restored public trust and optimism in his administration.
"The restart of Warri Refinery today brings joy and gladness to me and Nigerians. This will further strengthen the hope and confidence of Nigerians for a greater and better future that we promised,” Tinubu stated.
The Warri Refinery resumed operations after being inactive for several years, following the November restart of the 60,000 bpd Port Harcourt Refinery.
President Tinubu congratulated the Nigerian NNPCL management, led by Mele Kyari, for their efforts to restore Nigeria’s prominence in global oil production.
"I congratulate Mele Kyari and his team at NNPCL for working hard to restore our national pride and make Nigeria a hub for crude oil refining in Africa," he stated.
Tinubu calls for fast-tracking of Kaduna, PH refineries
The president pointed out that the rehabilitation of the four state-owned refineries is a vital component of his administration’s broader plan to enhance Nigeria’s refining capacity and establish the nation as a key hub for downstream industrial activities in Africa.
He called on NNPCL to accelerate progress on the Kaduna Refinery and the second Port Harcourt Refinery, which has a capacity of 150,000 bpd.
Tinubu emphasised his administration's ongoing commitment to transforming Nigeria into a key global energy supplier and safeguarding the nation’s energy security.
He described the development as an appropriate ending to the year. “This development is a remarkable way to end the year following the feat recorded earlier with the old Port Harcourt Refinery.”
Nigeria tops list of African countries with highest number of refineries
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nigeria topped the continent in oil refining infrastructure with nine facilities, including the massive Dangote Refinery.
South Africa, Ghana, Angola, and Sudan also featured on the list of African countries with the highest number of refineries, contributing significantly to the continent’s refining capacity.