President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the successful reopening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) after years of inactivity.
The president described the development as a significant milestone that reinforces Nigerians’ confidence in his administration.
The Warri Refinery resumed operations on Monday, weeks after NNPCL restarted production at the Port Harcourt Refinery, which now produces 60,000 barrels per day (bpd). WRPC is currently operating at 60% capacity, processing 125,000 bpd.
President Tinubu praised the Mele Kyari-led NNPCL for its commitment to restoring the nation’s refineries and achieving energy self-sufficiency.
“The restart of the Warri Refinery today brings joy and gladness to me and Nigerians. This development further strengthens the hope and confidence of Nigerians for a greater and better future that we promised. It is a remarkable way to end the year, following the earlier feat at the Port Harcourt Refinery,” President Tinubu said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The president reiterated his administration’s determination to increase local refining capacity and position Nigeria as a hub for downstream industrial activities in Africa.
He also commended the foresight of the previous administration, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, for awarding contracts for the rehabilitation of the country’s four state-owned refineries.
“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. The comprehensive plan to ensure energy efficiency and security is on course,” he added.
President Tinubu urged NNPCL to expedite repair work on the Kaduna Refinery and the 150,000 bpd second refinery in Port Harcourt to consolidate Nigeria’s position as a global energy provider.
The Warri Refinery, now operational, will focus on producing and storing essential petroleum products, including Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and heavy and light Naphtha.
This achievement, President Tinubu noted, underscores his administration’s resolve to deliver on its energy security promises and revitalize the country’s oil sector for sustainable growth.
