By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery, marked by the commencement of petroleum product loading on Tuesday.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president acknowledged the foundational efforts of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries. He also expressed gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its financial support in executing the critical project.
President Tinubu commended the leadership of NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, whose steadfast commitment and strategic oversight he credited for overcoming challenges to achieve this milestone.
As the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery progresses, the president called on NNPCL to prioritize the reactivation of the second Port Harcourt refinery, as well as the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
“These efforts will significantly enhance domestic production capacity, complementing contributions from privately-owned refineries and positioning Nigeria as a major energy hub,” the statement read. Tinubu also emphasized his administration’s focus on boosting the gas sector, aligning with broader plans to make Nigeria a leader in energy production and export.
The president reiterated his determination to restore Nigeria’s refining capacity and eliminate the long-standing paradox of being a crude oil-producing nation reliant on imports for refined products.
He called for patience, integrity, and accountability in the ongoing efforts to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure. Tinubu urged those entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold the trust placed in them by the Nigerian people.
Reaffirming his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu underscored the government’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, strengthening energy security, and enhancing export capacity to drive shared economic prosperity.
