Minister Lokpobiri Refutes Claims of Directing NNPCL to Halt Refinery Operations
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has denied reports suggesting that he instructed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to cease operations at its refineries in favor of focusing solely on equity participation in other refineries.
The reports, which were attributed to comments made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, at a recent event in Lagos, claimed that Busari, while representing the minister, conveyed this directive.
However, in an official statement, Senator Lokpobiri clarified that the information was inaccurate, asserting, “I have not directed NNPCL to stop operating its refineries. Such claims do not reflect my position or that of the Federal Government.”
He emphasized that the NNPCL, as a company operating under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), functions independently with its board and management. Lokpobiri reiterated that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not interfere with NNPCL’s day-to-day operations, but instead provides strategic oversight in line with the country’s broader energy policies.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and we remain committed to fostering local refining capacity,” he added. “We encourage NNPCL and other companies to operate in accordance with global best practices.”
Lokpobiri reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the growth and autonomy of NNPCL to ensure its alignment with international standards in efficiency, transparency, and profitability.
