By Joke Kujenya
TUESDAY’s SUCCESSFUL restoration of petroleum product loading at the Port Harcourt refinery has drawn praise from President Bola Tinubu, who sees the achievement as a critical step in Nigeria’s journey towards energy independence.
The milestone, marked on 26 November 2024, symbolises progress in addressing the country’s refining deficit.
President Tinubu commended the previous administration for initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries.
He also acknowledged the African Export-Import Bank for financing the project and applauded the leadership of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, for his unwavering dedication to overcoming operational challenges.
The President called on NNPC to fast-track efforts to restore the second Port Harcourt refinery, alongside the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
These, combined with contributions from privately-owned refineries, aim to position Nigeria as a major energy hub.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to energy sufficiency, citing the Renewed Hope Agenda’s vision of shared prosperity and enhanced export capacity for Nigeria.
