Neglect Over the Years Hindering Refineries Revival – NNPC
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, has admitted that revamping Nigeria’s refineries has remained a major challenge due to long-term neglect spanning several decades.
Speaking on Thursday at the NNPC Towers in Abuja during a meeting with the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Ojulari said the years of abandonment had left the refineries in a poor state despite the huge sums of money already spent on their rehabilitation.
He likened the situation to an old car left unused for too long, explaining that even when one part is fixed, another problem emerges because of the years without proper maintenance. The NNPC boss noted that facilities in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna have been especially difficult to restore to full capacity.
Ojulari disclosed that technical and commercial reviews of the refineries had been completed, with the Port Harcourt refinery now moving toward a new model that involves professional refining companies. According to him, the NNPC has decided that partnering with a globally experienced refiner will be the best approach to ensure long-term sustainability.
To avoid shortages during the transition period, Ojulari said the company was leveraging its equity in the Dangote Refinery to diversify supply. He also highlighted that his administration’s priority since taking charge about five months ago has been the revival of the refineries through the Incorporated Joint Venture model, while ensuring that reforms are implemented without political pressure.
He stressed that the NNPC has come under heavy criticism from vested interests opposing the transformation agenda, but insisted that the company would not bow to short-term pressures. “We are under attack, but transformation is never easy. Change comes with a price, and Nigerians must remain patient as we work toward a sustainable energy future,” Ojulari said.
The PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, commended the NNPC management for its partnership and the progress made so far, including reduced crude oil theft and improved pipeline operations. He noted that all pipelines, from the Forcados Pipeline to the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), have resumed operations, leading to higher national oil output.
Osifo further suggested that allowing experienced refiners to acquire shares in Nigeria’s refineries could reduce political interference and ensure long-term efficiency. He stressed that such collaboration would help position the refineries as commercially viable entities that operate without constant setbacks.
The union also applauded NNPC’s efforts in tackling vandalism and maintaining pipeline security, noting that the achievements recorded under Ojulari’s leadership were a sign of progress in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
