The former Nigerian Minister of Tourism, Femi Fani-Kayode, has addressed critics of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in light of the recent revitalization of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
Fani-Kayode has suggested that certain actors within the private sector of the oil and gas industry are attempting to undermine and diminish the significance of the Port Harcourt Refinery's revitalization.
He articulated these concerns through a statement on his official X platform on Thursday, emphasizing that the oil sector operates under different dynamics than those associated with commodities such as sugar, spaghetti, and cement, specifically referencing Aliko Dangote, the president of Dangote Refinery.
These remarks coincided with skepticism regarding the viability of the Port Harcourt Refinery following NNPCL's announcement that the facility had commenced the distribution of petroleum products.
Notably, Timothy Mgbere, Secretary of the Alesa community stakeholders, stated in an interview on Arise Television that the refinery had distributed older inventory rather than newly refined petroleum products.
Fani-Kayode identified certain factions within the private sector as being responsible for a campaign aimed at discrediting the Group Managing Director of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly regarding the initiation of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery after a prolonged period of inactivity. He asserted that the revival of the refinery represents a significant achievement for Nigeria.
He emphasized the necessity for NNPCL's refineries, along with Dangote Refinery and other competitors, to thrive. He stated, "The revitalization of the Port Harcourt Refinery is one of the most encouraging developments in the petroleum sector in recent years, and the credit for this must be attributed to the President and the Group Managing Director of NNPC."
Fani-Kayode continued, "It is unfortunate that certain elements within the private sector, who are relatively new to the field, are endeavoring to undermine and downplay this considerable success for Nigeria. The oil industry operates under distinct principles compared to the sales of sugar, spaghetti, cement, or rice; attempts to monopolize the sale of refined products within this sector will not replicate successes seen in other commodities."
He concluded, "The NNPC will continue to grow stronger, and with the restoration of its other refineries, Nigerians will have reason to celebrate. It is essential to allow new entrants in the market to thrive while ensuring the success of NNPC's refineries as well. This should be our collective objective, rather than engaging in disreputable efforts to tarnish the reputation of NNPC and its leadership. All individuals who are optimistic about Nigeria’s progress and supportive of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda should take pride in the achievements of GMD Mele Kyari. His perseverance, courage, ingenuity, and integrity have culminated in this remarkable accomplishment, signifying renewed hope for Nigerians."