The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has invited former President Olusegun Obasanjo to verify the claims on the turn around at Port Harcourt Refinery.
This invitation comes after Obasanjo’s recent remarks questioning the refinery’s operational status.
Obasanjo had pointed to concerns raised by Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, regarding possible corruption impacting the refinery’s performance.
READ MORE: Warri refinery resumes operations – NNPCL
He further alleged that NNPCL has been misinforming Nigerians about the refinery’s true functionality.
In a statement, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, invited Obasanjo to tour the facility, emphasizing the company’s commitment to transparency.
Soneye noted that the refinery had undergone comprehensive rehabilitation, which went beyond routine turnaround maintenance to a full-scale overhaul.
He also encouraged Obasanjo to collaborate with NNPCL in advancing Nigeria’s energy security initiatives.
Soneye explained that NNPCL has transitioned into a profit-oriented private company, leaving behind its history of financial losses.
In addition, he refuted claims suggesting that NNPCL plans to halt crude oil supplies to Dangote Refinery, labeling such reports as untrue.
“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.
Earlier, on Channels Television Obasanjo disputed the claims made by the administration of President Bola Tinubu that the refineries are back in operation.
Drawing on a Yoruba proverb, he suggested that those who falsely boast about their accomplishments will eventually need to cover up when the truth is revealed.
During the interview, Obasanjo recalled the circumstances under which Shell turned down an offer he made as President of Nigeria to manage the nation’s refineries.
He also highlighted how his successor rejected a $750 million proposal from billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote in 2007 to manage the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries, a deal Obasanjo had negotiated.
He argued that it is evident that the NNPC does not have the capability to operate the country’s refineries, yet they turned down Dangote’s offer.
However, he expressed confidence in Dangote’s ability to run his own refinery located in Lagos.
Obasanjo remarked, “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.”
Crediblenewsng.com
