The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has invited former President Olusegun Obasanjo to visit the Port Harcourt Refinery to see its operations firsthand. This follows comments Obasanjo made during an interview with Channels Television, where he claimed that Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) doubted the refinery’s ability to function effectively due to corruption concerns.
Obasanjo accused the NNPCL of misleading Nigerians about the refinery’s status, prompting a response from the company.
NNPCL’s Invitation and Assurance
In a statement, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, extended a respectful invitation to Obasanjo to tour the refinery. Soneye assured that the refinery has undergone a complete overhaul, not just routine maintenance, and is now set to operate at world-class standards.
Soneye said, “We invite President Obasanjo to see the progress we’ve made. His wisdom and experience are invaluable, and we welcome his advice as we work to secure Nigeria’s energy future.”
He emphasised that the NNPCL has transformed into a profit-driven private energy company, moving beyond its previous status as a government corporation.
Refinery Overhaul and Energy Security
Soneye highlighted the extensive rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, with similar efforts underway at the old Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries. He noted that these upgrades are designed to ensure sustainable operations and boost Nigeria’s energy security.
He explained, “This is not just Turnaround Maintenance (TAM); it’s a full-scale overhaul to meet global standards. The new NNPC Limited is committed to maintaining these facilities to ensure long-term benefits for Nigerians.”
A Call for Collaboration
NNPCL expressed its respect for Obasanjo, describing him as a statesman whose contributions to Nigeria’s development are deeply valued. Soneye said the company is open to his insights and is committed to working together to build a better future for the country.
On claims that NNPCL would stop supplying crude oil to the Dangote Refinery, Soneye dismissed the reports as baseless, stating, “There is no need to respond to falsehoods.”
NNPCL’s invitation aims to foster transparency and highlight its efforts to modernise Nigeria’s energy sector while addressing the concerns raised by the former president.