Why Obasanjo’s Inspection of Port Harcourt Refinery is Vital — NNPCL

NNPCL explains its decision to invite former President Olusegun Obasanjo for an inspection of the Port Harcourt Refinery, highlighting his role in Nigeria’s energy reforms.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has officially invited former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the Port Harcourt Refinery for a personal evaluation of its operational status.

This invitation follows Obasanjo’s recent appearance on Channels Television, during which he cited advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) that cast doubt on the refinery’s capacity to operate effectively.

Obasanjo stated that SPDC, which had been considered for equity in the refinery, raised concerns about corruption obstructing its operations.

He additionally claimed that NNPCL was disseminating false information to the public regarding the refinery’s operational status.

In reply to these statements, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, invited the former president to visit the facility.

Soneye highlighted the company’s commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in its operations.

Soneye extended an invitation to President Obasanjo, encouraging him to visit the refurbished refineries and witness the advancements achieved under the restructured NNPC Limited.

He also urged Obasanjo to work together with NNPCL to secure the nation’s energy supply.

Soneye added, “We warmly invite our esteemed former president to join us in this initiative as we strive to ensure energy security for our nation and offer tangible benefits to Nigerians. His wisdom and experience are invaluable, and we assure him that his insights will always be welcomed and appreciated.”

Soneye explained that NNPCL had not just performed turnaround maintenance on the refinery; they also carried out a full overhaul.

He stated, “In this transformation, NNPC Limited has evolved from focusing solely on oil and gas to becoming an integrated energy company. A major achievement of ours is the complete rehabilitation of both the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PhRC) and the Warri Refinery.”

He highlighted that the ongoing rehabilitation extended beyond basic turnaround maintenance, focusing instead on a comprehensive transformation to meet international standards. Soneye also spoke about continuous efforts to revitalize the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries.

NNPCL has transformed from a government corporation into a private, limited-liability company, with an emphasis on profitability and global energy initiatives.

Soneye emphasized, “We aim not only to upgrade these refineries but also to sustain them at international standards. We are dedicated to guaranteeing their long-term operation and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s energy security.”

Soneye also responded to Obasanjo’s comments about the condition of NNPCL, highlighting the company’s transformation.

“The NNPC has transformed into NNPC Limited, signifying a significant shift from being a loss-making entity to becoming an international energy company focused on profit,” he stated.

He concluded by recognizing Obasanjo’s contributions as a notable statesman.

“We hold President Obasanjo’s contributions to Nigeria in high regard and appreciate his insights,” he stated. “By working together, we can strive towards creating a brighter future for our nation.”

Soneye was also questioned about media claims suggesting that NNPCL would stop supplying crude oil to the Dangote Refinery. He replied briefly, “There’s no need to address falsehood.”