Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) for what he called a disrespectful invitation to tour the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
Speaking through his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo stated that the corporation had not formally invited him as of January 2, 2024, describing the public announcement as an insult to his office and person.
“Is that the right way to invite a former president of the country?” Akinyemi said. “It is an absolute insult, and the former president cannot dignify such with a response.”
The invitation from NNPCL followed Obasanjo’s remarks during a Channels Television interview, where he criticized the mismanagement of Nigeria’s refineries and recounted failed attempts to privatize them during his presidency.
Obasanjo revealed that Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, had offered $750 million to manage the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. However, the offer was rejected by his successor, Musa Yar’Adua, after NNPC assured the government it could operate the facilities.
“Since then, more than $2 billion has been squandered on the refineries, and they still do not work,” Obasanjo lamented. He contrasted this inefficiency with Dangote’s success in managing his private refinery, expressing confidence in the private sector’s capability.
In response, NNPCL spokesperson Femi Soneye defended the corporation’s efforts, stating that the refineries had undergone significant upgrades and were operational.
“We extend an open invitation to former President Obasanjo for a tour of the rehabilitated refineries to witness firsthand the progress made under the new NNPC Limited,” Soneye said.
The reopening of the Warri refinery has been met with skepticism from Nigerians, with many questioning whether substantial progress has truly been made after years of heavy spending.