President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the successful reopening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), describing the development as a significant milestone in his administration’s drive to boost local refining capacity and ensure energy security for Nigerians.
The Warri Refinery, which had been inactive for several years, resumed operations on Sunday at 60% capacity. This follows the recent restart of the Port Harcourt Refinery’s 60,000 barrels-per-day output in November. The WRPC now joins efforts to enhance Nigeria’s downstream industrial activities and reduce dependency on imported petroleum products.
President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed confidence in his administration’s strategy to revamp the nation’s refining sector, emphasizing the importance of restoring Nigeria’s status as a leading oil-producing country.
“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. This development is a remarkable way to end the year, following the feat recorded earlier with the old Port Harcourt Refinery,” the President stated.
He commended the leadership of NNPCL, led by Group CEO Mele Kyari, for their efforts in rehabilitating the country’s refining infrastructure.
President Tinubu also urged the company to expedite ongoing repair works at the Kaduna Refinery and the second Port Harcourt Refinery to consolidate Nigeria’s position as a major crude oil refining hub in Africa.
The Warri Refinery, with a refining capacity of 125,000 barrels per day, will prioritize the production of critical petroleum products, including Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Naphtha, to address domestic energy needs and support economic growth.
The rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries was initiated under the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, with contracts awarded for the overhaul of the country’s four state-owned refineries.
This achievement aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of making Nigeria self-sufficient in petroleum refining while fostering job creation and industrial development.
