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The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Mr. Mele Kyari, has defended the state of the country’s refineries, asserting that blending during refining is standard practice and not a crime.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers’ (NUPENG) new seven-story national secretariat, NUPENG Tower, in Lagos, Kyari dismissed allegations that the Port Harcourt Refinery is nonfunctional.
He said the refinery is actively producing petrol and kerosene, with ongoing work at the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
“The repairs of Port Harcourt and other refineries are real. The Port Harcourt refinery is running. As we speak, the plant is running, and loading is ongoing,” Kyari said.
“Port Harcourt is producing not only petrol but also kerosene. We will shock you with the progress of the other refineries.”
Kyari invited sceptics to visit the facilities, saying, “You can nominate any person of your choice to visit Warri Refinery and Kaduna refineries. Work is going on.”
Addressing comments on blending practices in refining, Kyari explained that blending is a universal process.
“Every refinery blends. There is no refinery where you open a tap and rinse out the gasoline.
“Blending involves mixing chemicals, and this is standard across the world. No crime is committed when you blend in a refinery.”
Kyari’s remarks came in response to Lagos-based human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, who urged NUPENG and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to clarify the controversies surrounding the state of Nigeria’s refineries.
Falana challenged the unions to address claims that the Port Harcourt refinery is operating at 90% of its 60,000 barrels-per-day capacity.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, called for a stronger partnership with oil and gas unions. He urged NUPENG and PENGASSAN to ensure the sector thrives for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“The success of the oil and gas sector should be measured by the success of the unions in ensuring higher production and more revenue for the government,” Tinubu said.
He said the unions would be held accountable if the sector falters.
NUPENG President Williams Akporeha stressed the need for collaboration to ensure a sustainable and inclusive energy future for Nigerians.
He applauded the dedication of NUPENG workers, describing them as the backbone of Nigeria’s energy sector.
“Our workers are the ones who keep the wheels of our energy sector turning despite challenges and adversities.
With unity, dedication, and a shared vision, Nigeria can overcome any obstacle on the road to a more sustainable and prosperous energy sector.”
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