PETER OBI CALLS FOR TRANSPARENCY AS PORT HARCOURT REFINERY COMMENCES PRODUCTION
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the general election of 2023, has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to guarantee accountability and openness in the functioning of the recently opened Port Harcourt Refinery.
The Port Harcourt refinery finally started producing petroleum on Tuesday after multiple delays.
The refinery would initially have a daily capacity of 60,000 barrels, supplying the Nigerian market with diesel, Premium Motor Spirit, and other products.
Truck loading would begin on Tuesday, according to NNPC spokeswoman Olufemi Soneye.
“Port Harcourt Refinery begins production. Truck loading starts today, Tuesday,” Soneye told our correspondent.”
Obi responded to the news on Wednesday by applauding NNPCL for reaching this milestone and calling the refinery’s resuscitation a great step in a post on his X handle.
Nonetheless, he emphasized that NNPCL must be open and honest about its operations.
The statement read, “I wish to congratulate the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for fulfilling the long-standing promise of revamping the old Port Harcourt refinery. The refinery, which comes on stream today boasts an installed production capacity of 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Approximately 200 trucks are expected to load products daily from the refinery. Nigerians now await the corresponding impact and benefits on pump prices and the overall economy.
“Additionally, news of the Kaduna refinery’s revival is promising, as it is expected to boost productivity, improve transportation, and alleviate economic burdens across the country. While we acknowledge these achievements as a step in the right direction, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of transparency in the operations of the NNPC.
“Nigerians deserve clarity and accountability regarding the management of the nation’s vital oil resources, ensuring that the benefits of increased refining capacity reach every Nigerian and that the gains are used to support long-term development.”