President Bola Tinubu has lauded the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for successfully revitalizing the Port Harcourt refinery, with petroleum product loading resuming on November 26, 2024.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari’s role in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries. He also expressed appreciation to the African Export-Import Bank for financing the critical project.
President Tinubu commended NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, for his steadfast leadership, stating that overcoming challenges to achieve this milestone demonstrates “unwavering dedication and commitment.”
Building on this success, the President directed NNPCL to expedite the reactivation of the second Port Harcourt refinery, alongside the Warri and Kaduna refineries. He emphasized that boosting domestic refining capacity, in conjunction with privately-owned refineries, will position Nigeria as a key energy hub while advancing his administration’s focus on the gas sector.
“Our determination is to repair the nation’s refineries and end the perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer unable to refine its resources for local consumption,” the President stated.
He further urged all stakeholders to embrace integrity, patience, and accountability in rebuilding the country’s infrastructure, reiterating that these efforts align with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda for shared economic prosperity.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to achieving energy security, sufficiency, and expanded export capacity, underscoring his administration’s resolve to restore trust and enhance Nigeria’s energy potential.
