- President Tinubu ordered fast-tract reactivation of other domestic refineries following the successful revitalisation of the Port Harcourt refinery
- The President commended former President Buhari’s role in initiating the rehabilitation process and acknowledged the support of Mele Kyari and the African Export-Import Bank
- Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and positioning Nigeria as a key energy hub in Africa
In a bid to boost domestic refining capacity, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Nigeria National Petroleum Company, Limited (NNPCL) to hasten the reactivation of the second Port Harcourt refinery, alongside the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
This came after the President, on November 26, 2024, extended his congratulations to the NNPCL for the successful revitalisation of the Port Harcourt refinery, marked by the official commencement of petroleum product loading.
Tinubu commends NNPC on Port Harcourt refinery's success
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued a statement noting the President’s commend to the NNPCL Group CEO Mr. Mele Kyari, “whose unwavering dedication and commitment were instrumental in overcoming challenges to achieve this milestone.”
In his remarks, Tinubu highlighted the significant contribution of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the large-scale rehabilitation of the country's refineries, while also expressing gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for supporting the financing of this critical project.
The statement read, “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 statement further read, “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.”
Emphasising the importance of patience, integrity, and accountability in the nation's infrastructure rebuilding efforts, Tinubu urged individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to stay focused and maintain trust in their service to the country.
“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,” the statement added.
Improved petrol supply: NNPCL seeks private companies to operate Warri, Kaduna refineries
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) planned to engage private companies to manage its Warri and Kaduna refineries.
The company said the decision was to improve petrol supply.