Following the commencement of operation of the Warri Refining anɗ Petrochemicals Company (WRPC), President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), for reviving the refinery plant.
The refinery, which has a production capacity of 125,000-barrels-per-day, is now operating at 60 percent capacity.
Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, lauded the development as a significant milestone in his administration’s efforts to ensure energy efficiency and security.
“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,” Tinubu said.
According to the statement, the refinery will focus on producing and storing critical petroleum products, including straight-run kerosene (SRK), automotive gas oil (AGO), and heavy and light naphtha.
Tinubu emphasized that the revival of the refinery aligns with his administration’s comprehensive energy strategy.
“With the 125,000 bpd refinery now operating at 60 percent capacity, our comprehensive plan to ensure energy efficiency and security is entirely on course,” the president added.
The president described the refinery’s resumption as a remarkable achievement for 2024, coming on the heels of the reactivation of the old Port Harcourt Refinery.
He congratulated Kyari and his team for their efforts to restore Nigeria’s refining capabilities and strengthen the nation’s position as a leading energy provider in Africa.
“I am equally happy that NNPCL is implementing my directive to restore all four refineries to good working condition. 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,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu also enjoined the NNPCL to expedite repair works on the Kaduna Refinery and the 150,000 bpd second refinery in Port Harcourt to further enhance Nigeria’s energy production capacity.
