Obasanjo Slams NNPCL’s Refinery Invitation Says It’s Disrespectful

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) for what he termed a disrespectful invitation to tour the rehabilitated Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

The invitation followed Obasanjo’s recent comments on the mismanagement of Nigeria’s refineries during an interview on Channels Television.

Obasanjo revealed that during his tenure, he sought to privatize the nation’s refineries, with Dangote Group offering $750 million to manage the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries.

However, the offer was rejected by his successor, late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, after NNPCL claimed it could manage the plants.

Reflecting on the failed efforts, Obasanjo stated, “Since then, more than $2 billion has been wasted on the refineries, yet they remain non-functional.” He expressed confidence in private management, highlighting Dangote’s efficiency in establishing his own refinery.

However, the NNPCL, through its spokesperson Femi Soneye, refuted Obasanjo’s claims, insisting the refineries were operational and inviting him for a tour to witness progress firsthand.

Reacting, Obasanjo, via his aide Kehinde Akinyemi, dismissed the invitation as an insult, pointing out that no formal letter had been sent. “Inviting a former president through media statements is not only disrespectful but also unprofessional,” Akinyemi stated.

The Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) backed Obasanjo, condemning the NNPCL’s approach.

Afenifere’s Secretary-General, Chief Sola Ebiseni, described the invitation as “arrogant,” while CUPP’s Peter Ameh criticized it as a disregard for Obasanjo’s status and legacy.