Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) over its invitation for a tour of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, labeling the approach as disrespectful.
The invitation, extended via a public statement by NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye, followed Obasanjo’s remarks during a recent Channels Television interview. In the interview, the former president recounted failed efforts to privatize Nigeria’s refineries, highlighting the mismanagement and inefficiencies plaguing the sector.
Obasanjo’s Critique of NNPCL
Obasanjo expressed frustration over the state of the refineries, noting that despite substantial investments exceeding $2 billion since 2007, the facilities remain non-functional. He cited an incident during his presidency when a $750 million offer from Aliko Dangote to manage the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries was rejected by his successor, Musa Yar’Adua, at NNPCL’s insistence.
“NNPCL claimed they could manage the refineries, but they failed,” Obasanjo said. “If a company like Shell declined to run the refineries, I would trust their judgment.”
In response, NNPCL claimed significant progress in refinery rehabilitation. “We extend an open invitation to former President Obasanjo for a tour of the rehabilitated refineries to witness the progress made,” said Soneye.
However, Obasanjo, through his media aide Kehinde Akinyemi, rejected the gesture, calling it an “absolute insult” due to the lack of a formal, direct invitation.
Skepticism about NNPCL’s claims extends beyond Obasanjo’s criticisms. Despite the announcement that the Port Harcourt refinery had resumed operations on November 26, multiple visits by 9am News Nigeria revealed inactivity, with workers citing ongoing calibration and sporadic loading of trucks. Similar doubts surround the Warri refinery, which NNPCL claimed began operations on December 31.
A truck driver at the Port Harcourt refinery disclosed, “Since Friday last week, not even a single truck has been loaded. There’s no information about what’s happening.”
Reactions from Afenifere and CUPP
The Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) supported Obasanjo, criticizing NNPCL for its handling of the invitation and the broader issues surrounding refinery management.
“What Obasanjo said highlights the persistent mismanagement of our refineries,” said Afenifere’s Secretary-General, Chief Sola Ebiseni. “NNPCL’s public invitation reflects arrogance and disrespect for the former president.”
The controversy highlights the enduring challenges in Nigeria’s oil sector, with mismanagement, inefficiency, and transparency issues at the forefront. As doubts about refinery operations persist, the incident underscores the need for accountability and genuine reform in managing Nigeria’s critical resources.
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