Abdullahi Hashim, a Harvard University alumnus and member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), has praised President Bola Tinubu for the successful reactivation of the Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries. Hashim commended Tinubu for his leadership, highlighting that the achievement marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s petroleum production, both for domestic use and export.

In a statement, Hashim noted that the revival of these refineries would help Nigeria reduce its reliance on imported petrol, improve foreign exchange reserves, and boost the value of the Naira. He emphasized that previous administrations since 1999 had failed to restore the refineries, despite significant investments in Turn Around Maintenance (TAM).

Hashim also encouraged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to prioritize repairs of the Kaduna Refinery and additional units in Port Harcourt to further solidify Nigeria’s position as a major oil refiner in Africa. He stressed that this development would not only benefit the petroleum sector but also stimulate the growth of downstream industries like petrochemicals, fertilizers, and synthetic materials, making Nigeria a key player in the global supply of value-added products.

Further, Hashim called on both the federal and state governments, as well as individuals, to invest in the oil and gas sector to drive economic growth. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to shift from being a raw material supplier to a producer of finished goods, boosting both the economy and the Naira’s value.

Hashim also addressed the ongoing debate over Nigeria’s new tax reform bill, urging further consultations to achieve a consensus. He advised northern governors to focus on investing in factories and agriculture rather than infrastructure projects, emphasizing the need for policies that promote taxable corporate businesses and improve the purchasing power of the people.