I never directed NNPCL to stop running its own refineries, minister denies claim

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The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has categorically denied the claim credited to him that he directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its own refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries.

The minister, who insisted that the statements were false, said “this does not represent my position as Minister overseeing the oil sector, nor does it reflect the stance of the Federal Government.”

The statements were said to have been made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented the minister at a recent conference in Lagos.

According to the minister, “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. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control or run NNPCL, 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.

“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.”

In the statement he personally signed, the minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s “commitment to supporting the growth and independence of NNPCL, ensuring that its operations are in line with international standards for efficiency and transparency and profitability.”