Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has invited former President Olusegun Obasanjo to tour the rehabilitated Port Harcourt Refinery to verify its operational status.
The invitation follows Obasanjo’s recent remarks during a Channels Television interview, where he claimed Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) had advised him that the refinery could not function effectively due to corruption.
Obasanjo also alleged NNPCL had misled Nigerians about the facility’s status.
Responding on Thursday, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, extended a respectful invitation to Obasanjo.
“Furthermore, we extend an open invitation to President Obasanjo for a tour of the rehabilitated refineries to witness firsthand the progress made under the new NNPC Limited,” Soneye stated.
He invited Obasanjo to contribute his insights to Nigeria’s energy security efforts.
“His wisdom and experience are invaluable, and we assure him that his advice will always be welcomed and appreciated,” he added.
Soneye clarified that NNPCL undertook a complete overhaul of the refinery, surpassing traditional turnaround maintenance.
“This process was not merely the Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of the past but a full-scale overhaul designed to meet world-class standards,” he explained.
The NNPCL spokesperson emphasised that the company, now a profit-driven entity, is committed to sustaining its refineries and ensuring they meet global standards.
On recent reports about crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery, Soneye dismissed the claims as baseless, stating, “No need to respond to falsehood.”
Soneye concluded by expressing respect for Obasanjo’s contributions to national progress, saying, “We remain grateful for his leadership and enduring commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for our great nation.”