By SALIF ATOJOKO

President Bola Tinubu has expressed joy over the re-opening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL).

Tinubu described it as another remarkable achievement in 2024 that had strengthened Nigerians’ hope in his administration, Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.

“Today, the Warri Refinery returned to operation weeks after NNPC Ltd. Restarted the 60,000 Barrels per day at the Port Harcourt Refinery in November.

“President Tinubu has once again expressed his administration’s determination to ramp up local refining capacity and make Nigeria a hub for downstream industrial activities in Africa,” he said.

He said the All Progressives Congress-led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari had awarded the contract for the complete rehabilitation and overhaul of the four state-owned refineries.

Tinubu noted that with the 125,000 (bpd) Warri Refinery now operating at 60 per cent capacity, his administration’s comprehensive plan to ensure energy efficiency and security was on course.

He praised the Mele Kyari-led management of the NNPCL for working hard to restore Nigeria’s glory and pride as a major oil-producing country.

“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.

“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 NNPCL 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,” President Tinubu said.

He enjoined NNPCL to accelerate repair work on Kaduna Refinery and the 150,000 (bpd) second refinery in Port Harcourt to consolidate Nigeria’s position as a global energy provider.

“WRPC will focus on producing and storing critical products, including Straight Run Kerosene, Automotive Gas Oil, and heavy and light Naphtha,” he said. (NAN)