The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has extended an invitation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo to tour the Port Harcourt Refinery, following his recent comments casting doubt on the facility’s rehabilitation and functionality.
The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of NNPCL’s operations and broader conversations about transparency in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Obasanjo had earlier alleged that the NNPC had been misleading Nigerians by claiming its refineries were operational.
He further stated that Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which was approached to acquire equity in the refinery, had expressed concerns about corruption impeding its operations and suggested the refinery would not function effectively under current conditions.
Responding to the assertions, NNPCL issued a statement on Thursday, January 2, through its spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, inviting Obasanjo to witness the progress made in the refinery’s rehabilitation.
Part of the statement reads, “We hold President Olusegun Obasanjo in the highest regard as a statesman who has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s development. His observations are deeply respected. However, we wish to emphasize that NNPC has undergone a remarkable transformation.”
NNPCL highlighted its transformation into an integrated energy company and reiterated its commitment to delivering energy security and tangible benefits to Nigerians.
“One of our notable achievements is the complete rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PhRC) and Warri Refinery”.
“This visit will offer an opportunity to witness the progress we have achieved under NNPCL’s leadership”, Soneye added.
