The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has extended an invitation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo to tour the Port Harcourt Refinery, following his recent comments casting doubt on the facility’s rehabilitation and functionality.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Obasanjo had earlier alleged that the NNPC had been misleading Nigerians by claiming its refineries were operational. He further stated that Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which was approached to acquire equity in the refinery, expressed concerns about corruption impeding its operations and suggested the refinery would not function effectively under current conditions.
But, responding to the assertions, NNPCL issued a statement on Thursday, January 2, through its spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, inviting Obasanjo to witness the progress made in the refinery’s rehabilitation.
“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 stated.
NNPCL highlighted its transformation into an integrated energy company and reiterated its commitment to delivering energy security and tangible benefits to Nigerians.
“One of our notable achievements is the complete rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PhRC) and Warri Refinery,” Soneye added.
The company acknowledged Obasanjo’s wealth of experience and wisdom, emphasising its value to the ongoing transformation of the nation’s energy sector.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of NNPCL’s operations and broader conversations about transparency in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
