Labour Party Presidential candidate Peter Obi has praised Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) for successfully revitalizing the Port Harcourt refinery.
This comes after NNPCL announced on Tuesday that the refinery, with a production capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, has resumed operations.
The development has sparked widespread excitement among Nigerians, who are hopeful that this marks the end of the country’s dependence on imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Obi congratulated the NNPCL on the milestone while emphasizing the need for the refinery’s impacts to be felt through reduced pump prices and broader economic benefits.
“The refinery, which comes on stream today, boasts an installed production capacity of 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Approximately 200 trucks are expected to load products daily from the refinery,” Obi noted.
“Nigerians now await the corresponding impact and benefits on pump prices and the overall economy.”
The former Anambra State Governor also expressed optimism about the potential revival of the Kaduna refinery, which he said could further enhance productivity, improve transportation, and alleviate economic challenges across the nation.
Obi, however, highlighted the importance of accountability in the operations of NNPCL.
He called for transparency in managing the nation’s vital oil resources, ensuring that the benefits of increased refining capacity are equitably distributed and contribute to sustainable development.
“While we acknowledge these achievements as a step in the right direction, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of transparency in the operations of the NNPC. Nigerians deserve clarity and accountability regarding the management of the nation’s vital oil resources,” he added.