Tinubu Celebrates As Port Harcourt Refinery Begins Operation, Issues Directive To NNPC Over Warri, Kaduna Refineries

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery and commencement of petroleum product loading on November 26, 2024.

Naija News reported that the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Olufemi Soneye, confirmed the development, stating that the refinery is set to operate at 60 percent of its capacity.

In a statement through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu 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.

Tinubu also commends the leadership of NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, for his unwavering dedication and commitment to overcoming challenges and achieving the new milestone.

President Tinubu directed that with the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, NNPC Limited should expedite the scheduled reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.

The statement added, “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 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.

“Highlighting the values of patience, integrity, and accountability in the rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure, President Tinubu calls upon individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation.

“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.”