Bayo Onanuga responds to former President Obasanjo's doubts about the success of Nigeria’s refineries, celebrating the Port Harcourt refinery’s successful operation. Onanuga emphasizes that with determination and faith, challenges can be overcome, urging all Nigerians to believe in the country's potential for progress.
The Presidency has responded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s skepticism regarding the revival of Nigeria’s refineries, particularly the Port Harcourt refinery, which has recently resumed operations.
In 2023, Obasanjo had expressed doubt that Nigeria’s refineries could function properly under government control. He also predicted that President Bola Tinubu’s goal of restarting them by December 2024 would fail, based on information he received from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) during his presidency.
In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, challenged Obasanjo’s negative outlook, emphasizing that only "Almighty God" has the authority to determine what is achievable. Onanuga’s remarks, made in a post on X, celebrated the successful operation of the Port Harcourt refinery, which is now producing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) despite the doubts and challenges. He described this achievement as a powerful reminder that with determination, faith, and collective effort, even the most formidable challenges can be overcome.
Onanuga concluded his statement by urging Nigerians, including former leaders like Obasanjo, to recognize that limits are often imposed by doubt, and that perseverance can lead to positive change, encouraging faith in the country’s potential for progress.
