President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery, which commenced loading petroleum products on November 26, 2024. The President emphasized (and rightly so) the significance of prioritizing the timely reactivation of the second Port Harcourt refinery, as well as the Warri and Kaduna refineries. In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga—Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy)—the President conveyed his gratitude to the key contributors to this milestone. However, it remains crucial to consider the future implications of such developments.
The statement reads:
President Bola Tinubu offers his sincere congratulations to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery (which is marked by the commencement of petroleum product loading on November 26, 2024). The President recognizes the vital role that former President Muhammadu Buhari played in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of Nigeria's refineries; however, he also expresses gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its support in financing this critical project. President Tinubu commends the leadership of NNPCL's Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, whose unwavering dedication and commitment were crucial in navigating challenges to attain this significant milestone.
With the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, the President calls on NNPCL to expedite efforts toward (1) reactivating the second Port Harcourt refinery, as well as those in Warri and Kaduna. These efforts will significantly boost domestic production capacity. Moreover, they will complement the contributions of privately-owned refineries and position Nigeria as a leading energy hub. The gas sector, which is receiving unprecedented attention under this administration, will also benefit greatly from these advancements. However, President Tinubu reiterates his administration's commitment to repairing Nigeria’s refineries and addressing the longstanding issue of the nation’s inability to refine its crude oil for local consumption. He emphasizes the importance of patience, integrity and accountability in rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure. Although he calls on all individuals, institutions and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to remain focused, he also urges them to uphold trust in their service to the nation because this is vital for progress.
In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda (which seeks to foster shared economic prosperity), President Tinubu reaffirms his administration's commitment to achieving energy sufficiency. This is essential: enhancing energy security is crucial and boosting Nigeria's export capacity is a priority (however, challenges remain). Although progress is being made, the journey ahead requires meticulous planning and execution, because the stakes are high.
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