Kyari promises to fix refining challenges in Nigeria

Michael Ajayi

The Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam Mele Kyari, on Monday, promised Nigerians to fix the country’s refining challenges.

Speaking at the opening of the 2019 annual conference and exhibition organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers in Lagos, with the theme, “Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Mobile Technology: Changing the Future of the Energy Industry”, Kyari said that it is a shame that Nigeria remained a net importer of petroleum products.

According to the Corporation boss, NNPC is challenged by the reality of its environment as the refineries are not operating optimally.

“Today, we are a net importer of petroleum products which is a very big shame for us as a nation.

“And as for professionals, we can give any excuses, but today it’s a shame that this country is a net importer of petroleum, but we are going to change that.

“NNPC is going to get its house together to fix the refineries. We want to make the refineries functional with at least 90 per cent capacity.

“Also, we want to support those who have the initiatives on the refinery, and providing fiscal regime’’, he said.

Kyari vowed to reverse the trend of petroleum products importation in the country by rehabilitating the existing refineries and encouraging private sector investment in the sub-sector.

“We must end the trend of fuel importation as an oil-producing country. We will deliver on the rehabilitation of the four refineries within the life of this administration and support the private sector to build refineries.

“We will support the Dangote Refinery to come on stream on schedule. We will transform Nigeria into a net exporter of petroleum products.’’

He said the age-old Federal Government’s target of raising crude oil production and reserves to three million barrels per day and 40 billion barrels, respectively was possible.

Kyari also said he would galvanise the corporation to achieve the target by 2023.

He said that there was no drought artificial intelligence and big data which remained the issues today, which nobody could dispute.

“This time we are determined, we will work together with stakeholders so that we will deliver on the mandate.

“We will ensure that the business environment is clearly diversified. Today, we have issues around fascia regime about contractual challenges which we promised to address”, Kyari said.