President Bola Tinubu has hailed the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery, thereby saving the country the embarrassment of being a major crude oil producer in the world but cannot refine for domestic consumption.
The President is reacting to the official commencement of petroleum product loading from the Port Harcourt refinery today, November 26.
A statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, quoted President Tinubu as saying that NNPCL has demonstrated his government’s determination “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.”
The President expressed his government’s determination to repair all the nation’s refineries, emphasizing that with the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, it is hoped that NNPC Limited would expedite the scheduled reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
Tinubu stressed that the return of the nation to the path of functional refineries 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 reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and boosting export capacity for Nigeria.
The President acknowledged the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all the nation’s refineries and expresses gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project.
He also commended the leadership of NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kolo Kyari, whose unwavering dedication and commitment were instrumental in overcoming challenges to achieve this milestone.
Tinubu stressed the values of patience, integrity and accountability in the rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure, calling on individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation.
