President Bola Tinubu says the Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company (WRPC) now operates at 60 percent capacity, commending the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited for reviving the 125,000 barrels per day (bpd) plant.
Earlier on Monday, Mele Kyari, the group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the NNPC, announced that the refinery is now operational.
Speaking on the development in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, the president said the refinery will focus on producing and storing critical products, including straight-run kerosene (SRK), automotive gas oil (AGO), and heavy and light naphtha.
According to Onanuga, Tinubu said with the 125,000 bpd refinery “now operating at 60 percent capacity”, his administration’s comprehensive plan to ensure energy efficiency and security “is entirely on course”.
“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,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
“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.”
Onanuga said Tinubu described the re-opening of the refinery as another remarkable achievement in 2024 that has strengthened Nigerians’ hope in his administration.
He said the president also asked the NNPC to accelerate repair work on the Kaduna refinery and the 150,000 bpd second refinery in Port Harcourt to consolidate Nigeria’s position as a global energy provider.
