NNPC invites Obasanjo to tour PH, Warri refineries

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has asked former President Olusegun Obasanjo to visit the Port Harcourt refinery to verify its operational status.

The invitation follows Obasanjo’s statement suggesting that the state-owned refineries are still moribund despite huge investments.

Obasanjo had said during his time as president, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) was approached to run Nigeria’s refineries, but the British oil giant declined over concerns of systemic corruption.

The former president also alleged that the NNPC has been misleading Nigerians about the refinery’s operational status.

Responding in a statement on Thursday, Olufemi Soneye, the chief corporate communications officer of NNPC, invited Obasanjo to visit the PH refinery, saying the company is committed to transparency and accountability.

The NNPC spokesperson also asked the elder statesman to work with the firm in its determination to guarantee Nigeria’s energy security.

“We invite our esteemed former president to join us in this effort as we continue to deliver energy security for our nation and provide tangible benefits to Nigerians,” Soneye said.

“His wisdom and experience are invaluable, and we assure him that his advice will always be welcomed and appreciated.

“Furthermore, we extend an open invitation to President Obasanjo for a tour of the rehabilitated refineries to witness firsthand the progress made under the new NNPC Limited.

“As part of this transformation, NNPC Limited has gone beyond oil and gas to become an integrated energy company. One of our notable achievements is the complete rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) and Warri Refinery.

“We welcome President Obasanjo to witness the transformation of the Port Harcourt Refinery. This is not a mere Turnaround Maintenance, but a comprehensive overhaul aligned with global standards.

“The revitalisation of refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna underscores the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s energy security.”

‘NNPC NO LONGER A GOVERNMENT CORPORATION’

Soneye said the NNPC is currently conducting a complete rehabilitation of the old Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries.

“Regarding his (Obasanjo’s) recent comments, we would like to respectfully clarify the current state of the NNPC. The NNPC has undergone a transformative journey, evolving from a government corporation into a private entity, NNPC Limited,” he added.

The spokesperson said the transition means that the NNPC has also moved on from being a loss-making organisation to a profit-driven international energy firm.

“We deeply respect and hold President Obasanjo in the highest regard as a distinguished statesman who has contributed significantly to the progress of our nation,” he added.

“We remain grateful for his leadership and enduring commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for our great nation.”

Soneye also said there “is no iota of truth in the media reports that NNPCL has stopped the supply of crude oil to Dangote Refinery – No need to respond to falsehood”.