Tinubu reacts as Warri refinery begins operation

President Bola Tinubu has praised the resumption of operations at the Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company (WRPC), Delta State, marking a significant stride in Nigeria's bid to enhance local refining capacity.

The facility, with a daily capacity of 125,000 barrels, had been dormant for years.

The restart was announced by Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), during a site visit on Monday, December 30.

President Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, described the development as a "remarkable achievement" that bolsters public confidence in his administration.

"The restart of Warri Refinery today brings joy and gladness to me and Nigerians.

"This strengthens the hope and confidence of Nigerians for a greater and better future. I commend Mele Kyari and his team at NNPCL for restoring our national pride and positioning Nigeria as a hub for crude oil refining in Africa," Tinubu said.

Highlighting progress in Nigeria's refining sector, Tinubu also referenced the recent revival of a 60,000 barrels-per-day unit at the Port Harcourt Refinery.

He emphasised his administration's commitment to energy security and efficiency, urging swift repairs on the Kaduna Refinery and the second Port Harcourt facility.

"With Warri Refinery now operating at 60% capacity, our comprehensive energy plan is on course.

"NNPCL must accelerate efforts to rehabilitate all four state-owned refineries," Tinubu stated

Tinubu lauded former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration for initiating the refineries' overhaul, calling it a foundation for Nigeria's evolving energy landscape.

The Warri facility will prioritise producing Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and naphtha.

The revival of WRPC underscores Tinubu's vision to transform Nigeria into a downstream industrial powerhouse, setting a positive trajectory for 2024 and beyond.