Obasanjo slams NNPCL’s invitation as disrespectful, rejects refinery tour

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) over an open invitation to tour the rehabilitated Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, describing the move as disrespectful.

Speaking through his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo expressed displeasure over the manner in which the invitation was extended, stating that it was inappropriate for his office and person.

“Is that the right way to invite a former president of the country? Who says Baba has even seen the statement or read the news? It is a total disrespect for the office of the former president,” Akinyemi stated, adding that as of January 2, 2025, the NNPCL had not sent any formal invitation to Obasanjo.

The controversy follows the NNPCL’s announcement, through its spokesperson Olufemi Soneye, inviting the former president to tour the refineries.

The invitation came after Obasanjo’s comments on Channels Television, where he lamented the mismanagement of Nigeria’s refineries and the failure of privatization efforts during his tenure.

Obasanjo revealed that during his presidency, he initiated a plan to privatize Nigeria’s three major refineries—Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna—by involving private sector players like Shell and Dangote Group.

“Aliko Dangote got a team together and paid $750 million to take part in a public-private partnership to run the refineries. However, my successor, Musa Yar’Adua, refunded the money after the NNPC claimed it could manage the refineries,” Obasanjo said.

He expressed frustration over the NNPC’s inefficiency, stating that despite spending over $2 billion on the refineries since 2007, they remain non-operational.

Confidence in DangoteThe former president contrasted the inefficiency of government-run refineries with his confidence in Dangote’s privately owned refinery, which he believes will be effectively managed.

“When Shell refused my offer to manage the refineries, I trusted their reasons. I was also confident in Aliko Dangote’s capability. Sadly, the government’s inefficiency has proven costly,” Obasanjo added.

In response, NNPCL spokesperson Femi Soneye defended the corporation’s efforts, asserting that the refineries have undergone significant upgrades.

“We have carried out comprehensive turnaround maintenance and a complete overhaul to bring the refineries to world-class standards. We extend an open invitation to former President Obasanjo to witness the progress firsthand,” Soneye said.

The reopening of the Warri refinery for production has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, with many remaining skeptical about its operational success.