“Warri refinery re-opening a milestone for Nigeria” — President Tinubu hails NNPCL

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the successful re-opening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), describing it as a significant achievement that boosts Nigerians’ confidence in his administration.

In a press statement from the State House, President Tinubu expressed joy over the development, which comes weeks after the 60,000-barrels-per-day facility at the Port Harcourt Refinery was restarted in November. The Warri Refinery, now operating at 60% of its 125,000-barrels-per-day capacity, marks a major step in ramping up Nigeria’s local 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 remarked.

He commended the Mele Kyari-led management of NNPCL for their commitment to restoring Nigeria’s status as a leading oil-producing nation. “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,” he added.

The WRPC, after years of inactivity, will focus on producing and storing essential products, including Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and both heavy and light Naphtha.

President Tinubu highlighted that the re-opening aligns with his administration’s comprehensive energy efficiency and security plan. He emphasized the importance of rehabilitating the nation’s four state-owned refineries, a project initiated under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President also called on NNPCL to expedite ongoing repair works at the Kaduna Refinery and the second Port Harcourt Refinery to further consolidate Nigeria’s position as a global energy provider.

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