Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed dissatisfaction with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) over its recent invitation to tour the Port Harcourt Refinery and assess its operational status.
Gists9ja reports that Obasanjo dismissed the approach as disrespectful and criticized the corporation for allegedly misrepresenting the refinery’s performance to Nigerians.
The controversy stems from Obasanjo’s earlier interview with Channels Television, where he shared insights from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). According to Obasanjo, SPDC—previously approached for equity participation in the Port Harcourt Refinery—raised doubts about its efficiency, citing corruption as a major hindrance to its functionality.
In a statement issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, NNPCL defended its commitment to transparency and accountability. The company highlighted the extensive work undertaken to rehabilitate the Port Harcourt Refinery, ensuring it aligns with international standards. Soneye described the initiative as a comprehensive overhaul rather than routine maintenance, aimed at restoring the refinery’s capacity for optimal performance.
NNPCL also disclosed similar rehabilitation efforts at the Warri, old Port Harcourt, and Kaduna refineries, signifying its broader ambition to revitalize Nigeria’s energy infrastructure. Since its transition to a private entity, NNPCL has prioritized profitability and competitiveness in the global energy sector, according to Soneye.
The invitation to Obasanjo, Soneye explained, was part of the company’s efforts to showcase progress at the refinery and counter allegations of inefficiency.
Reacting through his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo described the invitation as disrespectful to both his person and the office of the former president. Speaking in an interview with Punch, Akinyemi revealed that Obasanjo had not received any formal communication from NNPCL regarding the invitation.
“Is that the right way to invite a former president of the country?” Akinyemi questioned. “Who says Baba has even seen the statement or read the news? It is a total disrespect for the office of the former president. Ask the NNPCL, as of January 2, have they written to him? Is there any official letter addressed to him, inviting him to the refinery? It is an absolute insult, and the former president cannot dignify such with a response.”
The spat between Obasanjo and NNPCL underscores ongoing tensions surrounding Nigeria’s energy sector, particularly its reliance on poorly maintained refineries. Despite substantial investments in refinery rehabilitation, concerns about corruption, inefficiency, and mismanagement persist.
Obasanjo’s remarks draw attention to the need for a more transparent and accountable approach to Nigeria’s energy reforms. Analysts have noted that rebuilding public trust in NNPCL requires not just operational improvements but also more respectful and formal engagement with stakeholders, including past leaders.
As the debate continues, stakeholders will watch closely to see how NNPCL navigates the challenges of transitioning into a profit-driven enterprise while addressing criticisms of its rehabilitation projects and communication practices.
