Revitalization Of The Port Harcourt Refinery, By Doyin Okupe
It is with immense pride and heartfelt congratulations that I commend the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the tireless efforts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the stewardship of its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari. The recent success of bringing the long-moribund Port Harcourt Refinery back on stream is a monumental achievement that marks a turning point in Nigeria’s journey toward energy independence, economic revitalization, and national pride.
A Vision for Reform and ProgressPresident Tinubu’s reform agenda has, without question, set Nigeria on a transformative path. The revitalization of the Port Harcourt Refinery, a critical national asset that languished for years due to neglect, mismanagement, and systemic corruption, is an attestation to the President’s unwavering resolve and steadfast commitment to the nation’s progress.
The popular adage, “Where there is a will, there is always a way,” resonates profoundly with this administration’s achievements. From the onset of his tenure, President Tinubu has shown a patriotic zeal and determination to address the structural deficiencies that have long plagued Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The history of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), now rebranded as NNPCL, tells a story of missed opportunities and squandered resources. For decades, the organization served as a “cash cow” for successive administrations, often used to fund private interests rather than national development. This culture of impunity and corruption stifled its potential, leaving critical infrastructure like the Port Harcourt Refinery in disrepair and undermining Nigeria’s economic stability.
Before the tenure of Mr. Mele Kyari, the NNPC was synonymous with inefficiency and lack of transparency. However, under his leadership, the organization has undergone a remarkable transformation. By embracing internal restructuring and operational reforms, Mr. Kyari has steered the NNPCL .This milestone would have been impossible without the doggedness and assiduity of Mr. Mele Kyari and his management team. Their relentless efforts have not only restored the refinery’s operations but have also reinvigorated Nigeria’s refining capacity, reducing dependence on imported petroleum products and enhancing energy security.
It is important to acknowledge the challenges that accompany such transformative progress. Elements of the opposition and economic saboteurs have sought to undermine these achievements through misinformation and negative propaganda. However, the facts obviously speak for themselves.
The successes of the Tinubu administration and the NNPCL leadership are emblematic of a renewed hope for Nigeria.
Signed:
Dr. Doyin Okupe,
Former Presidential Spokesman
