NNPC to shut ailing refineries by December

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) would be shutting down state-owned refineries if they do not perform optimally by December.

Ohi Alegbe, spokesman of the corporation, revealed this in Abuja on Thursday, saying the refineries are due for a comprehensive maintenance.

“Ideally we have to do a turnaround maintenance every two years but we haven’t had a comprehensive one on the refineries in 15 years,” he said.

“The GMD toured the refineries and has set a deadline of December for the refineries to produce optimally. If that doesn’t work, these refineries will be shut for a year to undergo comprehensive rehabilitation

“We are working with investors to set up modular refineries and they will share storage and water facilities with other refineries. We feel it’s Important to get the private sector, foreign investors and competent Nigerians to be a part of the refineries process.”

Alegbe added that the NNPC was doing everything “within the ambits of the law” to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

“NNPC has become more transparent by publishing our monthly reports. Our aim is to change the perception that we are opaque,” he said.

“NNPC is a corporation funded with tax payers money and there’s no reason why Nigerians shouldn’t know what goes on here.”

The corporation said it is hopeful that the national assembly will expedite action on the petroleum industry bill (PIB), even though some sections might be reviewed.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo had initially said the PIB would be broken down and forwarded to the national assembly in the first quarter of 2016, to ensure easy passage.