REVEALED: NNPC Boss In Refinery Breakdown Cover Up

Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Emmanuel Kachikwu despite being accused of numerous contradictory statements has again apportioned the nation’s inability to optimally refine crude to obsolete equipment.

Kachikwu made this known through the Executive Director, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, Aisha Katagwu at the ninth Oil Trading & Logistics, OTL, Expo in Lagos.

The NNPC boss during his ministerial screening had on October 14, claimed the Kaduna refinery having gone through routine maintenance and checks, would begin the refining of crude oil the following day.

Unfortunately, Post Nigeria gathered that the said refinery was yet to receive crude.

In another scenario Kachikwu while speaking on behalf of the Federal Government said “By the end of December when the 90-day ultimatum will expire, any refinery that does not work optimally will be sold.”

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in reaction to the statement queried the GMD NNPC, clarifying that the Federal Government was not in any way planning to sell the nation’s four refineries or any part of its stakes in joint venture assets in the oil and gas sector.

July 30, the NNPC boss through the Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe, had disclosed that both the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries had successfully begun the refining of crude as the duo had been re-streamed after a nine-month phased rehabilitation exercise conducted by its in-house engineers and technicians.

Despite the billions spent on rehabilitating the refineries few months ago, Kachikwu on Tuesday, October 27 reiterated the call for more funds to be made available for another round of maintenance.

The calls buttressed Kachikwu’s earlier statement during the ministerial screening were he openly campaigned for a fresh round of refinery maintenance before the lawmakers.


The NNPC boss further added that the Corporation is exploring how it could improve the growth of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, market, in view of its importance to the economy.

    “We are looking at the LPG market to promote growth.

    “As it is, the country is depending on kerosene for consumption. But we are seeing the need to grow the LPG sub-sector of the oil and gas industry because it is cleaner, friendlier and cheaper.

    “Besides, the LPG sector would create jobs for the economy.”