After Obasanjo Alleged Corruption NNPCL Invites Him On Tour Of Warri, Port-Harcourt Refineries
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reacted to claims of ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo, that the company lacked capacity to run the country’s refineries.
Earlier, Obasanjo had questioned the ability of the NNPCL to run the country’s refineries efficiently.
“But I was told not too long ago that since that time, more than $2 billion have been squandered on the refineries, and they still will not work.” he was quoted as saying during an interview with Channels TV.
Obasanjo noted that despite the NNPCL knowing that it could not manage the refineries effectively, it turned down an offer of $750 million by the Dangote group to manage the country’s refineries.
However the NNPCL through its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, denied the words of the former President, while instead offering him a tour of the Port-Harcourt refinery which was recently declared “functional”.
“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.
“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.
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.”
In the statement, the NNPCL noted that what they carried out at the refineries were not a maintenance but full scale overhaul designed to meet world level standards.
“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.”
The company also noted that it had become more profit driven after its incorporation.
“This transition has marked a significant shift from being a loss-making organisation 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.”
“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.” the statement read.
