Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has clarified that he did not instruct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to cease operations at its refineries. This statement comes after comments made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, the Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, during a recent event in Lagos, which suggested a shift in focus towards equity participation in other refineries.
“I wish to categorically state that the claim that I directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its own refineries is false,” Lokpobiri stated. He emphasized that the NNPCL operates independently under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with its own board and management. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not directly control or run the company, which functions like any corporate entity.
Lokpobiri also stressed that the oil and gas sector is fully deregulated and that the government remains committed to promoting in-country refining. “While we provide strategic guidance, we do not interfere directly in the operations of these companies,” he explained.
He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting the growth and independence of NNPCL, ensuring its operations align with international standards of efficiency, transparency, and profitability.
