The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has invited former President Olusegun Obasanjo to visit the Port Harcourt Refinery to personally verify its operational status, following remarks he made in a Channels Television interview.
Obasanjo had referenced concerns raised by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which advised against acquiring equity in the refinery, citing fears of corruption hindering its effective operation. He also accused NNPCL of misleading Nigerians about the refinery’s true condition.
In response, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, invited the former president to observe the progress made at the Port Harcourt Refinery and other rehabilitated facilities, including the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
“We extend an open invitation to President Obasanjo for a tour of the rehabilitated refineries to witness the advancements made under the new NNPC Limited,” Soneye stated. He emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency and invited Obasanjo to join efforts aimed at securing Nigeria’s energy future, recognizing the former president’s valuable experience.
Soneye explained that NNPCL had gone beyond traditional Turnaround Maintenance (TAM), opting for a complete overhaul of the Port Harcourt Refinery. He emphasized that this rehabilitation was designed to meet world-class standards and ensure sustainable operations, contributing to Nigeria’s energy security.
Highlighting NNPCL’s transformation, Soneye noted that the company had evolved from a government corporation to a private, profit-oriented global energy company. “NNPC Limited has transitioned into an integrated energy company, moving away from being a loss-making entity to a profit-driven organization,” he added.
Soneye also dismissed media reports suggesting that NNPCL had halted crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery, labeling the claims as “falsehoods.” He reassured Nigerians of NNPCL’s commitment to maintaining its refineries to global standards and strengthening the nation’s energy security.
The invitation serves as part of NNPCL’s effort to address public concerns and reaffirm its role in Nigeria’s energy sector transformation.
