President Bola Tinubu has extended his warm congratulations to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the remarkable achievement in revitalizing the Port Harcourt refinery, a milestone marked by the official commencement of petroleum product loading on the 26th of November, 2024.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, President Tinubu acknowledged the crucial role played by former President Muhammadu Buhari in laying the foundation for the comprehensive rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries.
The president also expressed deep appreciation to the African Export-Import Bank for its trust and investment in financing this game-changing project.
Moreover, President Tinubu applauded the leadership of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, for his unwavering dedication and tireless commitment, which played a key role in overcoming numerous challenges to reach this significant achievement.
With the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, the president urged NNPC Limited to accelerate efforts toward reactivating the second Port Harcourt refinery, as well as the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
“These efforts will not only enhance domestic production capacity but also, alongside privately-owned refineries, position Nigeria as a leading energy hub, with the gas sector receiving unprecedented focus from this administration,” the statement read.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to repair the country’s refineries, emphasizing his vision to end the frustrating narrative of Nigeria being a major crude oil producer that cannot refine its own resources for domestic consumption.
In a call to uphold the values of patience, integrity, and accountability, the president urged all individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with national duties to stay focused and remain true to the trust placed in them.
Aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims for shared economic prosperity, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, bolstering energy security, and increasing Nigeria’s export capacity.