The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to ensure transparency and accountability in the operations of the newly launched Port Harcourt Refinery.
After several postponements, the Port Harcourt refinery finally commenced fuel production on Tuesday.
The refinery would start with 60,000 barrels capacity per day, releasing Premium Motor Spirit, diesel, and others into the Nigerian market.
The NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, revealed that the loading of trucks would start on Tuesday.
“Port Harcourt Refinery begins production. Truck loading starts today, Tuesday,” Soneye told our correspondent.”
Reacting to the development on Wednesday in a post on his X handle, Obi described the revival of the refinery as a positive step while praising NNPCL for achieving this milestone.
He, however, emphasised the need for NNPCL to be transparent in its activities.
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.”
