NNPC Limited Invites Ex-President Obasanjo to Verify Port Harcourt Refinery’s Operational Status

This post has already been read at least 111117 times!

Hours after his revelation that Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited), previously Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), rejected a $750 million offer from Aliko Dangote to manage the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries in 2007, the company has extended an invitation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo to tour the Port Harcourt Refinery, following his comments also questioning the refinery’s functionality.

This development followed Obasanjo’s recent interview with Channels Television, where he cited advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) suggesting the refinery would not function effectively. 

According to the former president, SPDC, which was approached to acquire equity in the refinery, expressed concerns about corruption impeding its operations.

Obasanjo further alleged that NNPCL has been misleading Nigerians about the refinery’s functionality.

NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, responded to Obasanjo’s claims by inviting him to witness the progress made at the refinery firsthand. “We extend an open invitation to President Obasanjo for a tour of the rehabilitated refineries to witness the progress made under the new NNPC Limited,” Soneye said.

Soneye emphasized NNPCL’s commitment to transparency and accountability, while also inviting Obasanjo to join the company in its efforts 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,” he added.

The spokesman of the Federal Government owned commercial oil outfit said that NNPCL has undergone significant transformations, evolving from a government corporation to a private entity with limited liability. He added that the company has also shifted from being a loss-making organization to a profit-driven international energy firm.

According to Soneye, the new NNPC Limited is committed to maintaining the refineries to global standards and ensuring their sustainable operation.

The invitation to Obasanjo is seen as an opportunity for the former president to witness the progress made at the refinery and to provide his insights and counsel. Soneye expressed NNPCL’s deep respect for Obasanjo, acknowledging his significant contributions to Nigeria’s progress. “We remain grateful for his leadership and enduring commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria,” Soneye said.

StreetReporters.ng

This post has already been read at least 111117 times!