President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited for reviving the Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company (WRPC), which is now operating at 60 percent capacity. The 125,000 barrels per day (bpd) plant marks a significant step toward enhancing Nigeria’s energy efficiency and security.
On Monday, Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC, announced that the refinery has resumed operations.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu expressed joy over the development, noting that the refinery will focus on producing and storing critical products such as straight-run kerosene (SRK), automotive gas oil (AGO), and heavy and light naphtha.
“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.
“This development is a remarkable way to end the year following the feat recorded earlier with the old Port Harcourt Refinery. I am equally happy that NNPC Limited is implementing my directive to restore all four refineries to good working condition.”
The president commended Mele Kyari and his team for their efforts in restoring the refinery, describing the achievement as a major boost to the administration’s goal of making Nigeria a hub for crude oil refining in Africa.
“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 directed the NNPC to accelerate repair work on the Kaduna Refinery and the 150,000 bpd second refinery in Port Harcourt, emphasizing the importance of consolidating Nigeria’s position as a global energy provider.
Onanuga added that Tinubu views the re-opening of the Warri Refinery as one of the most remarkable achievements of 2024, strengthening Nigerians’ trust in his administration.
