The successful reactivation of one of Nigeria’s refineries in Warri, the Delta State Capital, by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has been applauded by many Nigerians.
For the first time, Nigerians are hopeful that not only would the price of petrol be reduced, but the product would be readily available, bringing an end to scarcity.
However, the big question begging for an answer remains, after Warri Refinery, what next?
Well, the NNPC has opened up on the way forward, one that beams with hope.
What Next?
According to the petroleum company, the Port Harcourt Refinery, with a capacity of 150,000 barrels per day, and the Kaduna Refinery are currently undergoing a comprehensive renovation aimed at achieving world-class standards.
The work carried out on the 60,000 bpd Port Harcourt Refinery and Warri Refinery is not the usual Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) seen in the past but rather a complete overhaul intended to meet international standards.
This information was shared in a statement by Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, on Thursday.
Soneye’s statement was in response to comments made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo regarding the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
The former president had previously voiced scepticism about the operational status of the rehabilitated 60,000 bpd Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
The ex-president mentioned that the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) had warned against the viability of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
Obasanjo Vs NNPC
Issues of corruption and poor maintenance were cited as major reasons.
Meanwhile, he noted that the NNPCL had misled the public by asserting that these refineries were operational.
Also Read: Why Shell Declined To Operate Nigeria’s Refineries – Obasanjo
In response, Soneye emphasised that a significant accomplishment of the NNPCL was the refurbishment of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
The firm assured Nigerians that similar initiatives are also taking place at the second Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries.
He highlighted that NNPCL is dedicated to improving and upholding the refineries to meet global standards for sustainable operations.
