ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) –The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in Nigeria’s 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to ensure transparency and accountability in the operations of the recently revived Port Harcourt Refinery.
After years of delays and setbacks, the Port Harcourt Refinery officially commenced fuel production on Tuesday.
According to NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye, the refinery, starting with an initial capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, will supply Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), diesel, and other petroleum products to the Nigerian market. Truck loading operations also began the same day to facilitate distribution.
Reacting to the development on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Obi commended the refinery’s revival as a significant milestone for the country.
However, he emphasized the importance of transparency in NNPCL’s management of the refinery, calling for openness in its operations and dealings to rebuild public trust.
“While the revival of the Port Harcourt Refinery is a positive step towards self-sufficiency in fuel production, NNPCL must prioritize transparency and accountability to ensure Nigerians truly benefit from this achievement,” Obi stated.
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Obi’s remarks highlight the need for proper oversight to ensure that the refinery fulfills its promise of delivering value to Nigerians.
The success of this project, experts suggest, will depend not only on operational efficiency but also on NNPCL’s ability to uphold transparency in financial and operational reporting, procurement processes, and fuel distribution logistics.
The statement read, “I wish to congratulate the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for fulfilling the long-standing promise of revamping the old Port Harcourt refinery. The refinery, which comes on stream today boasts an installed production capacity of 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Approximately 200 trucks are expected to load products daily from the refinery. Nigerians now await the corresponding impact and benefits on pump prices and the overall economy.
“Additionally, news of the Kaduna refinery’s revival is promising, as it is expected to boost productivity, improve transportation, and alleviate economic burdens across the country. While we acknowledge these achievements as a step in the right direction, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of transparency in the operations of the NNPC.
“Nigerians deserve clarity and accountability regarding the management of the nation’s vital oil resources, ensuring that the benefits of increased refining capacity reach every Nigerian and that the gains are used to support long-term development.”