Nigeria has concluded arrangements to import crude oil from neighbouring Niger Republic.
Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Dr Maikanti Kachalla Baru, dropped the hint when he disclosed Nigerian Government’s commitment to build a 1,000-kilometre pipeline from Agadam in the Republic of Niger oil field to supply crude oil to Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Company (KRPC) Kaduna due to frequent destruction of crude pipe from Escravos, Warri.
Speaking with journalists during a working visit to Kaduna Refinery on Friday, the GMD also stated that, investors have shown interest to build a 50,000 barrels per day refinery capacity side-by-side with Kaduna refinery.
He said the initial intention was to build it in Kano, “but with greater synergy, we are more convinced they (the investors) will benefit from some of the cheap things in Kaduna Refinery.
“Mr President is on top of it. We have already made several visits to Niger Republic. At the highest level, he has also made his contact with the President of Niger and we are talking with the petroleum ministry in Niger as well as the Chinese that are operating there,” he added.
Mr Baru described Kaduna Refinery as a priced facility for NNPC, adding: “When it produces it produces very well and my coming is to ensure that they effect production very quickly.
“I have seen a very good plant ready for start up and also very determined staff who are committed to their job. So, I am happy with what I saw.
“Our major challenge is to ensure regular supply of crude to the refinery,” he said.
He reiterated that the FG has no intention of privatising the refinery, adding that the establishment of private refineries is not to compete with government-owned refineries in the country.
Baru said oil exploration in the Chad Basin was interrupted by insurgency activities in the North-East, “but the Army Chief has assured that within one month, he will provide security of our personnel to resume work.”
The NNPC GMD had earlier paid a courtesy call to Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, at Government House.
