Newscenter Media News The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has extended an invitation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo to embark on a tour of the rehabilitated Port Harcourt Refinery, urging him to witness firsthand the progress made under its new management.
This development comes as a response to Obasanjo’s recent interview with Channels Television, where he cast doubt on the refinery’s functionality and the state oil company’s ability to manage the refineries.
Earlier, the President had revealed how NNPC Ltd misled his successor, Late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua into rejecting a $750 million offer from Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group, to manage the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries in 2007.
Reacting to the former president’s statements, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye in a statement issued on Thursday, January 2, 2025, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transparency.
“We respectfully invite President Obasanjo to tour the rehabilitated refineries to see the progress achieved. His wisdom and experience are invaluable, and we welcome his insights,” Soneye stated.
He clarified that the Port Harcourt Refinery underwent a comprehensive overhaul rather than a traditional Turnaround Maintenance (TAM).
“This was a full-scale rehabilitation designed to meet world-class standards,” Soneye said, adding that similar efforts are ongoing at the Kaduna Refinery and the old Port Harcourt Refinery.
Soneye highlighted NNPCL’s transition from a government corporation to a profit-driven global energy company.
“This transformation has shifted us from being a loss-making organization to an integrated energy firm focused on profitability and sustainability,” he said.
READ ALSO: NNPC misled Yar’Adua to reject Dangote’s $750m offer to run Kaduna, PH refineries —Obasanjo
Soneye also dismissed reports that NNPCL plans to halt crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery, labeling them as false.
“There’s no need to respond to falsehood,” he remarked, emphasizing NNPCL’s focus on ensuring energy security for Nigeria.
In addressing Obasanjo’s comments, Soneye reiterated the company’s respect for the former president.
“We hold President Obasanjo in the highest regard as a distinguished statesman. His perspectives on national issues are valued, and we remain grateful for his leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s progress,” he said.
By Babajide Okeowo
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