President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the successful reopening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). The president described the development as a significant achievement in 2024 that has bolstered Nigerians’ confidence in his administration.

The Warri Refinery resumed operations on Monday, weeks after NNPCL restarted 60,000 barrels per day at the Port Harcourt Refinery in November. This marks a major milestone in the government’s efforts to revamp the country’s refining sector.

In a statement, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to increasing local refining capacity and positioning Nigeria as a hub for downstream industrial activities in Africa. He noted that WRPC, now operating at 60% of its 125,000 barrels-per-day capacity, is proof that the government’s energy security strategy is on track.

“The restart of Warri Refinery today brings joy and gladness to me and Nigerians,” President Tinubu said. “This will further strengthen the hope and confidence of Nigerians for a greater and better future that we promised. This development is a remarkable way to end the year following the feat recorded earlier with the old Port Harcourt Refinery. I am equally happy that NNPC Limited is implementing my directive to restore all four refineries to good working condition.”

The Warri Refinery’s rehabilitation follows a contract awarded under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, aimed at overhauling the nation’s four state-owned refineries.

President Tinubu also praised NNPCL’s Group CEO, Mele Kyari, for his leadership in driving the restoration efforts, describing the progress as a step toward reclaiming Nigeria’s pride as a major oil-producing nation.

“I congratulate Mele Kyari and his team at NNPCL for working hard to restore our national pride and make Nigeria a hub for crude oil refining in Africa,” he said.

The president urged NNPCL to accelerate repair works on the Kaduna Refinery and the second refinery in Port Harcourt, with a capacity of 150,000 barrels per day, to further consolidate Nigeria’s position as a global energy provider.

The WRPC will focus on producing and storing key petroleum products, including Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and various grades of naphtha.