By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia
THE NIGERIAN National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has reaffirmed that the Old but recently renewed Port Harcourt Refinery remains operational, with active loading processes.
This statement came amid public skepticism about the refinery’s functionality.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari, also extended an open invitation to human rights lawyer Femi Falana and others doubting the refineries’ operations.
He urged them to join a guided tour of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries to see their status firsthand.
Addressing concerns about blending practices, Kyari explained that blending is a global refining standard.
He clarified that without blending, off-specification products could emerge, causing damage to vehicles and machinery.
“Blending ensures products meet specific standards for different regions,” he stated.
Kyari also commended NUPENG for completing its NUPENG Towers in Lagos and encouraged collaborative dialogue with NNPC Ltd and the Federal Government.
Moreover, he highlighted that the President’s Executive Orders are attracting investments and creating jobs in the oil and gas sector.
… Champions Local Content Development at 13th Practical Nigerian Content Forum
SIMILARLY, the Nigeria’s energy sector is set for renewed growth as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) reiterated its commitment to advancing local content development and fostering a sustainable industry.
Speaking at the 13th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Mele Kyari, represented by Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mr Udobong Ntia, emphasised the forum’s significance in evaluating progress, sharing strategies, and driving innovation in the oil and gas sector.
Kyari highlighted the transformative impact of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010, which has enabled local businesses to compete globally.
He noted the forum’s role in addressing industry challenges while empowering local firms to harness Nigeria’s vast resources.
“The PNC has introduced initiatives to maximise resource benefits. Together, we must foster innovation, enhance local capabilities, and create a robust oil and gas industry meeting local and global demands,” Kyari said.
Kyari pointed to NNPC Ltd’s strategic initiatives, such as the restructuring of NNPC Exploration and Production Ltd (NEPL) and the enhancement of NNPC Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO) Ltd into a full-scale engineering firm.
These efforts aim to build local expertise and support energy sufficiency.
Referring to the recent Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements for 2024, Kyari underscored the Federal Government’s prioritisation of local content as a key strategy for economic growth.
Dignitaries at the event included Bayelsa Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhurdjakpo, Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, and other top stakeholders, who lauded the forum’s contributions to the energy sector.
Hosted by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the forum, themed “Defining the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation,” continues to serve as a pivotal platform for driving local content initiatives.
