The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) is not sabotaging the nation’s domestic refineries, Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari has asserted. Addressing growing concerns about the underperformance of Nigeria’s refineries, Kyari emphasized that the NNPC remains committed to revitalizing the sector and ensuring the refineries operate at optimal capacity.
Kyari dismissed allegations of sabotage as unfounded, stating that the challenges facing the refineries are due to decades of neglect, aging infrastructure, and complex operational issues. “There is no deliberate attempt by the NNPC or any of its subsidiaries to undermine the functioning of our domestic refineries,” Kyari said during a recent media briefing. He added that the company is working diligently to complete ongoing rehabilitation projects.
The NNPC has embarked on extensive refurbishment efforts, particularly at the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, to restore their production capabilities. Kyari assured Nigerians that once these projects are completed, the country will reduce its reliance on imported petroleum products and save significant foreign exchange.
Despite skepticism, the NNPC chief urged stakeholders and the public to be patient, reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring energy security and improving the nation’s refining capacity. “We are on track, and we will deliver refineries that meet international standards,” Kyari concluded.
