President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the successful reopening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), calling it a historic step towards revitalizing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the refinery’s return to operation as a significant milestone, instilling renewed confidence in his administration’s commitment to boosting local refining capacity.
Dormant for years, the Warri Refinery has resumed operations at an initial capacity utilization of 60%, producing essential petroleum products such as Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and naphtha.
This follows the earlier restart of a 60,000 barrels-per-day facility at the Port Harcourt Refinery in November, part of a broader strategy to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
President Tinubu applauded the efforts of NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, for spearheading the restoration of Nigeria’s refining capabilities.
“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,” the president said.
This accomplishment is a crucial step in the administration’s vision to rehabilitate all four state-owned refineries, a process initiated under former President Muhammadu Buhari and accelerated under President Tinubu’s directive for comprehensive repairs.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s dedication to achieving energy security and transforming Nigeria into Africa’s leading crude oil refining hub.
He also urged NNPCL to fast-track the rehabilitation of the Kaduna Refinery and the second Port Harcourt Refinery, critical components of Nigeria’s energy roadmap.
“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,” President Tinubu said.
