The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has defended the blending of petroleum products at the Port Harcourt Refinery, dismissing allegations of wrongdoing. He also assured Nigerians that the refinery is functional and producing not only petrol but also kerosene.
Speaking at the commissioning of the new NUPENG Tower, the seven-story national secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), in Lagos, Kyari addressed concerns about the state of the nation’s refineries. He said, “The repairs of Port Harcourt and other refineries are real. The Port Harcourt refinery is running. As we speak, the plant is running, and loading is going on.”
Kyari extended an invitation to doubters to visit the refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna to witness the ongoing work. “We will shock you with the other refineries. We will not give you a date (of resumption of full production), but the work is happening,” he said.
Responding to criticism from human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, who had called on the petroleum unions to reveal the true state of the Port Harcourt Refinery, Kyari explained that blending is an integral part of the refining process.
“There is no refinery where you open a tap and rinse out gasoline without blending. Every refinery blends; it’s a mix of chemicals. There is no crime committed when you blend in a refinery,” Kyari stated, emphasizing that blending practices are common worldwide due to environmental and technical requirements.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and petroleum unions during the commissioning ceremony. He urged NUPENG and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to work towards higher production and increased revenue.
“The success of the oil and gas sector should be measured by the success of the unions. If the sector falters, you will be held accountable,” Tinubu stated, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to a strengthened relationship with unions in the sector.
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In his remarks, NUPENG President Williams Akporeha emphasized the need for unity and collaboration to ensure a sustainable and inclusive energy future for Nigeria. “NUPENG workers are the ones who keep the wheels of our energy sector turning, despite challenges and adversities. We ensure the lights stay on, the economy thrives, and Nigeria’s place on the global energy stage remains secure,” he said.
Akporeha acknowledged the challenges in achieving a more sustainable and equitable energy sector but expressed optimism that with shared vision and dedication, the obstacles could be overcome.