Port Harcourt, Dec. 19, 2024 – Dr. Jackson Gaius Obaseki, a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has commended the NNPCL for turning the Port Harcourt Refinery into a state-of-the-art plant.
He made the commendation on Wednesday during a facility tour of the plant along with some other former chief executives of NNPCL.
Obaseki described the rehabilitation of the refinery as a significant achievement worth celebrating by Nigerians.
He said the criticisms trailing the refinery after its rehabilitation were misguided and due to lack of understanding of the extent of the work done.
“This is not a routine Turnaround Maintenance (TAM), but a full rehabilitation of a plant originally built in 1965 into a state-of-the-art facility by 2024.
“Some of those criticising the refinery do not understand the extent of the work carried out.
“They mistake it for the usual Turnaround Maintenance. This is a complete rehabilitation, transforming a plant built in 1965 into a modern one in 2024.
“We appreciate the efforts,” he said.
Obaseki also described the achievement as a testament to courage and dedication.
He urged the current management of NNPCL, led by Mallam Mele Kyari, to remain focused and steadfast.
Other former chief executives of the NNPCL on the tour included Chamberlain Oyibo, Funsho Kupolokun, and Andrew Yakubu.
