I didn’t ask NNPC Ltd to give up running own refineries – Oil Minister of State, Lokpobiri

Contrary to reports making the rounds, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri says he did not direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) to stop running its refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries.

Describing it as false, the minister said the statement credited to him on the issue does not represent him or reflect the stance of the Federal Government.

His reaction came on the heels of a statement on Tuesday attributed to the Director of Upstream in the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Kamoru Busari, who represented the minister at a recent conference in Lagos.

Lokpobiri stated: “My attention has been drawn to statements attributed to Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented me at a recent conference in Lagos.

“I wish to categorically state that the claim that I directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its own refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries is false.

“This does not represent my position as Minister overseeing the oil sector, nor does it reflect the stance of the Federal Government.

“It is important to clarify that NNPCL is a company governed under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with a functional board and management. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control or run NNPCL, as it operates independently like any corporate entity.

“The oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and the Nigerian government remains committed to promoting in-country refining. We encourage companies, including NNPCL, to operate independently, following global best practices.’

The minister added: “While we provide strategic guidance, we do not interfere directly in the operations of these companies.

“I reaffirm our commitment to supporting the growth and independence of NNPCL, ensuring that its operations are in line with international standards for efficiency and transparency and profitability.”