The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has extended an invitation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo for a tour of the Port Harcourt Refinery to verify its operational status.
This development follows Obasanjo’s recent interview with Channels Television, where he alleged that NNPCL has been misleading Nigerians about the refinery’s functionality.
In an exclusive interview with Channels Television, former President Olusegun Obasanjo recalled how the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) rejected a $750 million offer by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, to manage the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries back in 2007.
He said the NNPC knew that it lacked the capacity to run the national refineries but still rejected Dangote’s offer.
Obasanjo said, “Aliko got a team together and they paid $750m to take part in PPP (Public–Private Partnership) in running the refineries. My successor refunded their money and I went to my successor and told him what transpired. He said NNPC said they wanted the refineries and they can run it. I now said but you know they cannot run it.”
Obasanjo was elected President between May 1999 and May 2007, after being Nigeria’s military Head of State between February 1976 and October 1979.
Responding to the claims, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, respectfully invited the former president to visit the facility, emphasizing the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
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.
“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.”
Soneye explained that the NNPCL did not only carry out a Turn-Around Maintenance on the plant but 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.”
According to him, NNPCL has evolved from being a government corporation to a private entity with limited liability.
He said owing to the transition, NNPCL has also moved on from being a loss-making organization to profit -driven international energy firm.
The new NNPC Limited, he said, is committed not only to enhancing these refineries but also to maintaining them to global standards.
Soneye noted that NNPCL will ensure their 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.
“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 requested to react to a media report that NNPCL was to stop the supply of crude oil to Dangote Refinery said, “No need to respond to falsehood.”
