President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday welcomed the reopening of the WRPC as a “remarkable way to end 2024.”

He said the development reinforced Nigerians’ confidence in his administration’s drive to revitalise the oil and gas sector.

In a statement, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the President commended the Kyari-led NNPCL management for its commitment to restoring the country’s refining capabilities.

The statement read: “The restart of Warri Refinery 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 NNPC Limited 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.”  

He advised the NNPCL to expedite the rehabilitation of the Kaduna Refinery and the second Port Harcourt Refinery, both of which are critical to consolidating Nigeria’s position as a global energy provider.

President Tinubu emphasised his administration’s determination to achieve energy security and transform Nigeria into a hub for oil refining in Africa.

The Nation learnt that partial refining activities took off at the area 1 plant of the WRPC on Saturday with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) (diesel), dual-purpose kerosene (DPK), and naphthalene.

On the whole, it is a very good development for our self-sufficiency in petroleum products and we are hoping that with this development, energy prices will come down because this is what Nigerians expect at the end of the day.  This is when Nigerians will truly appreciate that we are having improvement in local production.

THE NATION