NNPCL invites Obasanjo to inspect the Port Harcourt refinery

The (NNPCL) has extended an invitation to former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to visit the Port Harcourt Refinery in order to confirm its operating status.

The invitation comes after Obasanjo stated in a recent interview with Channels Television that the refinery will not operate efficiently, citing advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

The former president claims that SPDC, which was contacted to purchase stock in the refinery, voiced worries about corruption obstructing its operations and that NNPCL has been deceiving Nigerians about how the refinery operates.

In response to the allegations, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, emphasised the organization’s dedication to accountability and openness while extending a cordial invitation for the former president to tour the facility.

Soneye said: “Furthermore, we extend an open invitation to President Obasanjo for a tour of the rehabilitated refineries to witness firsthand the progress made under the new NNPC Limited.”

Soneye further invited Obasanjo to join the NNPCL in its determination to guarantee the country’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.

“His wisdom and experience are invaluable, and we assure him that his advice will always be welcomed and appreciated,” he said.

Soneye explained that the NNPCL did not only carry out turnaround maintenance on the plant, but it embarked on a complete overhaul of the refinery.

He said: “As part of this transformation, NNPC Limited has gone beyond oil and gas to become an integrated energy company.

“One of our notable achievements is the complete rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PhRC) and Warri Refinery.

“This process was not merely the Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of the past but a full-scale overhaul designed to meet world-class standards. Similarly, we are currently conducting the same comprehensive rehabilitation of the old Port Harcourt Refinery and Kaduna Refinery.”

He furthered that NNPCL has evolved from being a government corporation to a private entity with limited liability.

He said owing to the evolution, NNPCL has also moved on from being a loss-making organisation to a profit-driven international energy firm.

The new NNPC Limited, he said, is devoted not only to improving these refineries but also to maintaining them to global standards.

Soneye noted that NNPCL will ensure its sustainable operation and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s energy security.

He said: “Regarding his recent comments, we would like to respectfully clarify the current state of the NNPC.

The NNPC has undergone a transformative journey, evolving from a government corporation into a private entity—NNPC Limited.

“This transition has marked a significant shift from being a loss-making organization to a profit-oriented global energy company.”

“We deeply respect and hold President Obasanjo in the highest regard as a distinguished statesman who has contributed significantly to the progress of our nation.

“He has every right to share his perspectives on national issues, and we value his insights and counsel.”

He said: “We remain grateful for his leadership and enduring commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for our great nation.”

Soneye, who was also asked to comment on a media report that NNPCL was to stop the supply of crude oil to Dangote Refinery, said, “No need to respond to falsehood.”