As Nigeria enters the New Year, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has celebrated the rehabilitation and restart of the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) as a significant milestone and a New Year gift to Nigerians. Governor Okpebholo commended the federal government, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, for their role in revitalizing the 125,000 barrels-per-day refinery. He highlighted the restoration of the Warri refinery as a crucial turning point for Nigeria’s petroleum industry, signaling a potential shift towards a more self-sufficient and robust oil sector.
During his statement, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the Edo State government would continue to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, particularly in the efforts to restore Nigeria’s status as a leader in crude oil refining in Africa. He praised the collaborative efforts that have led to the rejuvenation of the refinery, describing it as an essential step in ensuring the country’s energy security and economic growth.
The governor also expressed his admiration for President Tinubu’s reforms within the sector, which, according to him, have already begun to yield positive results. Okpebholo extended his congratulations to both President Tinubu and the NNPC under the leadership of Mele Kyari, acknowledging their significant contributions to the revitalization of the Warri Refinery. He expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria’s petroleum sector, especially with the simultaneous operations of the Warri, Port Harcourt, and Dangote refineries.
Governor Okpebholo’s remarks reflect a broader sense of hope within Nigeria’s petroleum sector, with the successful revival of key refineries offering a promising outlook for the country’s oil industry in the year ahead.