Group Says PH Refinery Not NNPCL Priority

The Okrika and Eleme Hoscom Bulk Retailers Association of Port Harcourt Refinery, have expressed shock and disappoint that the Group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, recently visited Rivers State, specifically the LNG facility in Bonny, without deeming it fit to visit the Port Harcourt Refinery.
According to the association, Bayo Ojulari’s visit to Rivers State without visiting the Port Harcourt Refinery is not only a slap in the face to the workers and management of the refinery but also a clear indication of the lack of appreciation for the contributions of the refinery to the nation’s economy.
“While the LNG facility in Bonny is an important asset, the Port Harcourt Refinery is a vital part of the nation’s refining capacity and deserves attention and recognition.” the Association said in a statement signed by High Chief Sunny Nkpe, Dr. Joseph Obele, Emmanuel Inimgba, Tekena Ikpaiki and Dickson Obelley.
According to them, a visit to the Port Harcourt Refinery by Engr. Bayo Ojulari would have been a significant moral booster and motivation to the rehabilitation team and contractors working tirelessly to restore the refinery to its optimal capacity. Such a visit would have demonstrated his commitment to the success of the refinery and the well-being of its workers.
“The refusal to visit the Port Harcourt Refinery indicates a lack of interest in the functionality of the plant, which is alarming. It raises questions about the management’s priorities and commitment to revamping the refinery.
“We urge Engr. Bayo Ojulari to revisit his itinerary and pay a courtesy visit to the Port Harcourt Refinery to familiarize himself with the operations and challenges of the facility.” the statement demanded.