Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Heineken Lokpobiri, has refuted claims that he instructed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to cease operations of its own refineries and solely pursue equity participation in other refineries.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Lokpobiri clarified that these remarks originated from Kamoru Busari, the Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented him at a recent conference in Lagos. He described the assertion as “false” and not reflective of his position or that of the federal government.
“My attention has been drawn to statements made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, and I wish to categorically state that the claim is incorrect,” Lokpobiri emphasized. He pointed out that NNPC operates independently under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with its own board and management.
The minister further explained that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control NNPC’s operations, which function like any corporate entity. “The oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and the Nigerian government remains committed to promoting in-country refining,” he added.
Lokpobiri reiterated the government’s encouragement for companies, including NNPC, to operate independently and adhere to global best practices. While the ministry provides strategic guidance, he stressed that it does not interfere directly in the companies’ operations.
In closing, Lokpobiri reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the growth and autonomy of NNPC, ensuring that its operations align with international standards for efficiency, transparency, and profitability.
