Minister Lokpobiri Clarifies NNPCL Refinery Operations, Refutes Claims on Refinery Mandate
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), has refuted claims made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry, during a recent conference in Lagos. Busari had suggested that the Minister directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to cease running its own refineries and focus on equity participation in others.
“I want to categorically state that this claim is false and does not reflect my position or that of the Federal Government. NNPCL operates as an independent entity under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with its own board and management. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control NNPCL’s operations,” Lokpobiri clarified.
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The Minister further emphasized that Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and the government remains committed to promoting in-country refining. He assured that while the Ministry provides strategic guidance, it does not interfere with the operations of companies like NNPCL, which are encouraged to operate independently, adhering to global best practices.
“We reaffirm our commitment to supporting NNPCL’s growth and independence, ensuring its operations are aligned with international standards for efficiency, transparency, and profitability,” he added.
