The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has clarified that the ongoing rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries is not just routine Turnaround Maintenance (TAM), but a comprehensive overhaul aimed at meeting global standards.
This response comes in the wake of comments from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who questioned the operational status of the refineries, particularly the 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) Port Harcourt Refinery and Warri Refinery.
Obasanjo had expressed doubts about the viability of the Port Harcourt refinery, citing advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) regarding concerns over corruption. He also accused NNPC Ltd. of misleading Nigerians by claiming the refineries were operational.
In response, NNPC Ltd.’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, emphasized the significance of the overhaul efforts and clarified that the company is committed to bringing the refineries to world-class operational standards. He invited Obasanjo to visit the rehabilitated refineries to witness firsthand the progress made. Soneye highlighted that similar rehabilitation efforts are underway at the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Kaduna refinery, with the aim of ensuring sustainable operations.
Soneye also praised NNPC Ltd.’s transformation under the leadership of Mele Kyari and President Bola Tinubu’s policies, noting that the company had evolved from a loss-making entity into a profit-oriented global energy leader. He emphasized NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to not only improving traditional oil and gas operations but also focusing on cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable energy solutions to meet Nigeria’s growing energy demands.
