President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for successfully revitalizing the Port Harcourt Refinery, which resumed petroleum product loading on November 26, 2024.
The President credited former President Muhammadu Buhari for initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries and expressed appreciation to the African Export-Import Bank for financing the project. He described the refinery’s revival as a major milestone in the nation’s push for energy self-sufficiency.
Acknowledging the leadership of NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, President Tinubu praised his dedication and resilience in driving the project to completion despite numerous challenges. He urged NNPCL to accelerate efforts to reactivate the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
President Tinubu noted that the restoration of these facilities, alongside contributions from private refineries, will significantly boost domestic production and position Nigeria as a global energy hub. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to ending Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products, describing the goal as vital to national economic security.
“Our aim is to eliminate the perception of Nigeria as an oil-rich nation unable to refine its resources for local use. This achievement is a testament to what patience, integrity, and accountability can deliver,” the President stated.
As part of his Renewed Hope Agenda, the President reiterated his administration’s focus on energy sufficiency, enhanced energy security, and increased export capacity. He called on stakeholders to remain steadfast and accountable in the collective effort to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure and promote economic prosperity for all Nigerians.
Philips Babatunde