President Bola Tinubu has expressed delight over the re-opening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), describing it as a significant milestone in 2024 that reinforces Nigerians’ confidence in his administration.

In a statement issued by the Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was disclosed that the Warri Refinery resumed operations today, following the November reactivation of the 60,000-barrels-per-day Port Harcourt Refinery by NNPCL.

Onanuga highlighted that the Warri Refinery’s return to production, after years of dormancy, underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to boosting local refining capacity and positioning Nigeria as a hub for downstream industrial activities in Africa.

The rehabilitation of the nation’s four state-owned refineries had been initiated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, under the All Progressives Congress-led government.

President Tinubu noted with optimism that the Warri Refinery, now operating at 60% of its 125,000-barrel-per-day capacity, aligns with his administration’s plan to achieve energy security and efficiency.

He commended NNPCL’s leadership under Mele Kyari for their efforts in restoring Nigeria’s status as a leading oil-producing nation and urged the corporation to expedite repair work on the Kaduna Refinery and the second Port Harcourt Refinery, with a capacity of 150,000 barrels per day.

The Warri Refinery will focus on producing and storing key products, including Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), as well as heavy and light Naphtha.