Minister Denies Directing NNPCL To Stop Operating Refineries

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (oil), Heineken Lokpobiri says he did not direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to stop operating refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries.

In a statement on Tuesday, the minister said the statement was made by Kamoru Busari, director of upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented him at a recent conference in Lagos.

Speaking on the issue, Lokpobiri described the statement as “false”.

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“My attention has been drawn to statements made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented me at a recent conference in Lagos,” Lokpobiri said.

“I wish to categorically state that the claim that I directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its own refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries is false.”

Lokpobiri said this does not represent his position as the minister overseeing the oil sector, nor does it reflect the stance of the federal government.

“It is important to clarify that NNPCL is a company governed under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with a functional board and management,” he said.

According to the minister, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control or run NNPC, as it operates independently like any corporate entity.

“The oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and the Nigerian government remains committed to promoting in-country refining,” the minister said.

“We encourage companies, including NNPCL, to operate independently, following global best practices. While we provide strategic guidance, we do not interfere directly in the operations of these companies.”

Lokpobiri reaffirmed his dedication to supporting the growth and independence of NNPC, ensuring that its operations are in tandem with international standards for efficiency, transparency, and profitability.