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 cited advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) suggesting the refinery would not function effectively.
According to the former president, SPDC, which was approached to acquire equity in the refinery, expressed concerns about corruption impeding its operations.
Obasanjo further alleged that NNPCL has been misleading Nigerians about the refinery’s functionality.
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.”
Soneye also invited Obasanjo to join the NNPCL in its determination to guarantee the country’s energy security.
“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.
Soneye explained that the NNPCL did not only carry out a turnaround maintenance on the plant but it embarked on 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.”
He added that 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.
The NNPC has undergone a transformative journey, evolving from a government corporation into a private entity—NNPC Limited.
“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.”