The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has reaffirmed that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is fully operational, with active loading operations.
This was confirmed by the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, during the commissioning of the NUPENG Towers in Lagos on Wednesday.
Addressing skepticism surrounding the refinery’s status, Kyari extended an open invitation to human rights activist and lawyer, Femi Falana, and others in doubt to join NNPC Ltd on a tour of the refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.
“We invite all doubters to come and see the refineries for themselves,” he emphasized.
Kyari also addressed the controversy regarding product blending, explaining its necessity in the refining process.
“Blending is not a crime; it is an integral part of refining. If you don’t blend, you will bring out off-spec products, which will destroy your vehicles.
“Every refinery blends because what is on specification in the United States of America will be off-spec in Nigeria and elsewhere,” he stated.
He congratulated NUPENG on completing the NUPENG Towers and encouraged the union to continue fostering dialogue and cooperation with NNPC Ltd and the Federal Government.
Highlighting positive developments in the oil and gas sector, Kyari noted, “The President’s interventions through Executive Orders are yielding results, attracting more investments, and creating prospects for more jobs in the industry.”