The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has extended an invitation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo for a tour of the Port Harcourt Refinery. This invitation comes in response to Obasanjo's recent comments during an interview, where he expressed skepticism about the refinery's operational capabilities and suggested that corruption has hindered its effectiveness.
Obasanjo had raised concerns regarding the management of the refinery, citing advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) that indicated doubts about its functionality. He alleged that over $2 billion had been wasted on the refineries without achieving operational success. Furthermore, he noted that former President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, his successor, declined a $750 million offer from the Dangote Group to manage the refineries, which he interpreted as an indication of the company's inability to operate them effectively.
In response, NNPCL's Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, emphasized the company's commitment to transparency and invited Obasanjo to witness firsthand the progress made in rehabilitating the refinery. He highlighted that the ongoing efforts are not merely maintenance but a comprehensive overhaul aimed at meeting global standards. Soneye expressed respect for Obasanjo's insights and encouraged collaboration towards ensuring Nigeria's energy security.
The invitation reflects NNPCL's desire to address public concerns about its operations and demonstrate improvements made under its new structure as a private entity focused on profitability and efficiency. The company aims to reassure stakeholders, including former leaders like Obasanjo, of its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria's energy sector.
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