NNPCL attributes challenges of fixing Nigerian refineries to long-term neglect.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, has attributed the challenges in fixing the country's refineries to decades of neglect. 

He expressed concerns that despite huge investments, the refineries in Warri, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna have been difficult to revive. 

Ojulari disclosed this on Thursday while playing host to a delegation from the national body of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, stating that the refineries have suffered from years of neglect, making it challenging to translate investments into profitability.

According to him, the NNPC has completed technical and commercial reviews of the refineries and is pursuing a new model, including partnering with a professional refining company to operate the Port Harcourt refinery. 

He said the company is also leveraging its equity in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to diversify supply and ensure no shortage of products during the transition, emphasizing that the company's priorities include reviving the nation's refineries through the Incorporated Joint Venture model.

The NNPC boss revealed that the national oil firm is under attack due to its reforms in the oil sector, but assured that the company will not budge to short-term pressure, stressing that patience will be required from Nigerians to get to the other side of change, which will benefit the country and its citizens. 

Meanwhile, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has commended the NNPC management for its efforts in addressing pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, noting improvements in output.

#UTVAfrica#