Former President Olusegun Obasanjo criticized NNPCL's public invitation to tour refineries, calling it disrespectful. He highlighted failed privatization attempts, wasted funds, and operational inefficiencies. NNPCL defended its efforts, but critics, including Afenifere, demanded respect and transparency. Obasanjo’s remarks reignite debates on refinery management and government accountability in Nigeria.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) for issuing a public invitation to tour rehabilitated refineries, labeling it disrespectful. This follows his comments on Channels Television about failed attempts to privatize the refineries during his tenure.
Obasanjo disclosed that his administration had explored private-sector partnerships, including a $750 million proposal from Dangote Group, which was rejected by his successor, Musa Yar’Adua. He lamented the wasted opportunities, noting that over $2 billion has since been spent on refinery repairs with little to show for it. He also highlighted the reluctance of global firms like Shell to manage the facilities as a warning that should have been heeded.
Through his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo described NNPCL’s public invitation as undignified, emphasizing that no formal correspondence had been received. He declined further comment, asserting that the approach was inappropriate for his stature.
NNPCL spokesperson Femi Soneye countered by touting progress in the refinery rehabilitation efforts. However, site visits by journalists revealed operational inconsistencies, casting doubt on the refineries' effectiveness.
Criticism has poured in from groups like Afenifere and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), which condemned the NNPCL’s approach as a slight to a national leader. They called for more respectful dialogue and a reassessment of refinery management strategies.
