Pres. Tinubu commends NNPCL on Warri refinery’s restart, says it’s major breakthrough

In a significant milestone for Nigeria’s energy sector, President Bola Tinubu has expressed his delight at the re-opening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) after several decades of moribundity.

The WRPC’s return to operation, weeks after the restart of the 60,000 barrels per day Port Harcourt Refinery in November, marks a major achievement for President Tinubu’s administration in 2024.

In a statement on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian leader praised the Mele Kyari-led management of NNPCL for their tireless efforts in restoring Nigeria’s glory and pride as a major oil-producing country.

He noted that the WRPC’s operation at 60% capacity is a testament to his administration’s commitment to ramping up local refining capacity and making Nigeria a hub for downstream industrial activities in Africa.

“The restart of Warri Refinery today brings joy and gladness to me and Nigerians. This will further strengthen the hope and confidence of Nigerians for a greater and better future that we promised.

“This development is a remarkable way to end the year following the feat recorded earlier with the old Port Harcourt Refinery. I am equally happy that NNPC Limited is implementing my directive to restore all four refineries to good working condition.

“I congratulate Mele Kyari and his team at NNPCL for working hard to restore our national pride and make Nigeria a hub for crude oil refining in Africa,” Tinubu said.

The President also commended the All Progressives Congress-led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for awarding the contract for the complete rehabilitation and overhaul of the four state-owned refineries.

He expressed confidence that with the WRPC now operational, his administration’s comprehensive plan to ensure energy efficiency and security is on track.

Tinubu urged NNPCL to accelerate repair work on the Kaduna Refinery and the 150,000 barrels per day second refinery in Port Harcourt.

The WRPC will focus on producing and storing critical products, including Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and heavy and light Naphtha.