Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has extended a formal invitation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo to visit the Port Harcourt Refinery and personally assess its operational status, following his recent comments on its functionality. The invitation is aimed at allowing Obasanjo to observe firsthand the progress made in the refinery’s rehabilitation and to verify the accuracy of the claims about its operational capacity.
This invitation comes in response to statements made by Obasanjo in an interview with Channels Television, where he referenced advice he received from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). According to Obasanjo, SPDC raised concerns about the refinery’s ability to operate efficiently. Obasanjo went on to accuse NNPCL of misleading the Nigerian public regarding the refinery's functionality, prompting concerns over the transparency and effectiveness of its operations.
In response to Obasanjo’s comments, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, issued an official statement, reaffirming the company’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability in its operations. Soneye emphasized the company’s dedication to ensuring that its projects are completed to the highest international standards, particularly in relation to the ongoing refurbishment of the Port Harcourt Refinery, which has been a priority for NNPCL in recent years. He also pointed out that the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery involved an extensive overhaul that went beyond regular maintenance, bringing it up to global standards and positioning it for future sustainability. Soneye noted that similar rehabilitation work is currently being carried out at the Warri, Kaduna, and old Port Harcourt refineries, with all efforts geared toward enhancing the country’s energy security and ensuring that Nigeria’s refineries become globally competitive and more profitable.
Further clarifying NNPCL's strategic direction, Soneye highlighted the company’s transition from being a government-run corporation to a private limited liability company. This shift in structure is intended to improve its operational efficiency and focus on profitability, making NNPCL a more competitive player in the global energy market. He also reaffirmed that the company is committed to operating refineries at international standards to guarantee long-term sustainability and ensure that Nigeria’s energy security is safeguarded for the future.
Soneye also acknowledged Obasanjo’s long-standing contributions to national discourse and expressed the company’s respect for the former president’s valuable insights on issues of national importance. He emphasized that NNPCL values Obasanjo’s input and, despite differences in perspective, remains open to constructive feedback aimed at improving the country's energy sector. He assured Nigerians that NNPCL remains focused on driving positive change and will continue working to secure a better future for the country through its transformative initiatives and investments in the energy sector.
Addressing reports that NNPCL plans to halt crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery, Soneye strongly dismissed these claims as unfounded and misleading. He stated that there is no truth to these allegations and emphasized that there was no reason to engage with baseless rumors. According to Soneye, NNPCL remains committed to maintaining a stable and supportive relationship with all stakeholders, including the Dangote Refinery, and will continue to work towards ensuring the growth and success of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.[/p>
