President Tinubu Hails NNPC As Warri Refinery Begins Operation At 60% Capacity

President Bola Tinubu has announced that the Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company (WRPC) is now operating at 60 percent capacity.

Tinubu commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited for successfully reviving the 125,000 barrels per day (bpd) refinery.

On Monday, December 30, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari confirmed that the Warri Refinery is back in operation.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, Tinubu expressed his satisfaction with the refinery’s progress.

He noted that it will prioritize producing and storing essential products such as straight-run kerosene (SRK), automotive gas oil (AGO), and heavy and light naphtha.

The president emphasized that with the refinery operating at 60 percent capacity, his administration’s plan for energy efficiency and security is on track.

He praised the efforts of Mele Kyari and his team at NNPC for their dedication to restoring the nation’s refining capabilities, including progress made earlier with the old Port Harcourt Refinery.

“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.

“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,” Tinubu said.

President Tinubu also reiterated his directive to ensure all four national refineries are fully restored.

He described the refinery’s reopening as a significant achievement for 2024, further bolstering public trust in his administration.

He also urged NNPC to expedite repairs on the Kaduna Refinery and the second Port Harcourt Refinery, which has a 150,000 bpd capacity, to solidify Nigeria’s position as a leading energy provider globally.

This comes barely one more after the NNPC announced that Port Harcourt Refinery had started producing fuel, claiming that trucks started loading on November 26.