Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed doubts about the functionality of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, despite recent announcements by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) that operations at the facilities had resumed after years of inactivity.

Speaking on a national television programme yesterday, Obasanjo recalled how his administration attempted to privatise the refineries through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Aliko Dangote, but his successor, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, reversed the decision and refunded Dangote $750 million. The former president questioned the viability of the refineries and criticised the federal government’s ongoing expenditure of over $3 billion on their rehabilitation.

In November and December 2024, the NNPC reported that the Port Harcourt refinery had achieved 70% functionality, while the Warri refinery was operating at 60% capacity. However, Obasanjo dismissed these claims, likening them to a farmer exaggerating his harvest.

“If anyone tells you the refineries are operational, why isn’t their output competing in the market alongside Aliko [Dangote]’s refinery? Aliko will not only make his refinery work but ensure it delivers,” Obasanjo remarked. “It’s like the Yoruba saying: ‘A man who plants 100 heaps of yam but claims to have planted 200 will eventually harvest 100 heaps of yams and 100 heaps of lies.’”

The former president also narrated his past efforts to involve Shell in running the refineries. According to Obasanjo, Shell declined due to concerns about corruption, poor maintenance, and the small scale of the facilities, which he described as outdated compared to global standards.

He revealed that after Dangote paid $750 million for a stake in the PPP arrangement, Yar’Adua overturned the agreement, insisting that the NNPC could manage the refineries profitably. “Since then, over $2 billion has been wasted on the refineries, and they still don’t work,” Obasanjo lamented.

In response, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Limited, Olufemi Soneye, defended the company’s achievements under its new business model. “NNPC Limited has transformed into a profit-oriented global energy leader. Our focus now includes cleaner, sustainable energy solutions to meet Nigeria’s growing needs,” Soneye stated.

He further highlighted that the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries was not a routine Turnaround Maintenance but a comprehensive overhaul to meet world-class standards. Soneye extended an invitation to Obasanjo to tour the facilities and witness their progress firsthand.

“President Obasanjo’s contributions to Nigeria’s development are deeply respected. We value his insights and welcome him to join us on this historic journey to redefine Nigeria’s energy security,” Soneye added.