President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over the re-opening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company in the Warri area of Delta State.

Tinubu described the development as another remarkable achievement in 2024 that has strengthened Nigerians’ hope in his administration.

The NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, announced that the 125,000 barrels per day refinery commenced operations on Monday, December 30, 2024.

Speaking via a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said with the Warri refinery now operating at 60% capacity, his administration’s plan to ensure energy efficiency and security is on course.

He lauded the management of the NNPCL for “working hard to restore Nigeria’s glory and pride as a major oil-producing country”.

Tinubu stated: “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.

Warri refinery begins operations

“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.

“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.”

The president also enjoined the NNPCL to accelerate repair work on the Kaduna refinery and the 150,000 bpd second refinery in Port Harcourt to consolidate Nigeria’s position as a global energy provider.

He added that the WRPC will focus on producing and storing critical products, including Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and heavy and light Naphtha.

The Warri refinery returned to operation weeks after the NNPCL restarted the old Port Harcourt Refinery in Rivers State.

The Star