PETROAN Condemns NNPC Chief's Remarks on State Refineries as 'Unacceptable'
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has strongly criticised recent statements attributed to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, regarding the operational capacity of the Port Harcourt Refinery. During a fireside chat titled Securing Nigeria's Energy Future at the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2026 on February 4, Ojulari reportedly stated that the national oil company lacks the financial and human resources to revive the moribund state-owned refineries.
Association Demands Transparency Over $1.5 Billion Rehabilitation Funds
In a statement shared with media outlets, PETROAN's National Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele, described Ojulari's comments as "unreasonable and unacceptable". Dr Obele, who teaches Energy Marketing at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, expressed deep concern about accountability in the management of public assets. He revealed that more than $1.5 billion was reportedly spent on revamping the Port Harcourt Refinery, which resumed operations in November 2024 only to be shut down again in May 2025 due to alleged financial losses.
The PETROAN spokesperson emphasized that Nigerians deserve comprehensive clarity on how such substantial public funds were utilized. "If NNPC truly lacks the capacity to run refineries profitably, then Nigerians have a right to know who advised the investment, who supervised the process, and who benefited from the contracts," Obele asserted. He insisted that public institutions cannot simply dismiss a multi-billion-dollar national asset as a failed project without proper audits and transparent accountability mechanisms.
Private Refineries Cannot Replace Government Responsibility
Dr Obele also addressed Ojulari's remarks regarding the Dangote Refinery, where the NNPC boss suggested Nigerians should be thankful for having the privately owned facility. While acknowledging the strategic importance of the Dangote Refinery, the PETROAN spokesperson argued that private enterprise success cannot replace government responsibility for public assets.
"NNPC manages national assets on behalf of citizens and should not rely on private investments to justify shortcomings in public sector operations," Obele stated. He warned that repeated public admissions of failure by NNPC leadership could undermine investor confidence, weaken Nigeria's energy security, and reverse progress on domestic refining, fuel price stability, and job creation initiatives.
Potential Legal Action and Leadership Consequences
PETROAN has issued a stern warning regarding the continued shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refinery. Dr Obele cautioned that prolonged inactivity could lead to deterioration of installed equipment through rust and corrosion, potentially rendering the rehabilitation efforts completely ineffective. The association disclosed plans to engage civil society organizations and other stakeholders to explore legal options, including calling for the removal of the NNPC GCEO, if the Port Harcourt Refinery does not resume operations by March 1, 2026.
The brief return of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery had demonstrated positive economic impacts on surrounding communities, with increased business activities and employment opportunities recorded within the first six months of operation. PETROAN maintains that the three state-owned refineries in Warri, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt remain crucial to Nigeria's energy security and economic stability, and must not be abandoned in favor of complete reliance on private sector solutions.
