The moribund Warri and Kaduna refineries would be back on stream by the end of the year. Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited CEO Mele Kyari told a joint session of the National Assembly Monday.
Kyari told the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Finance during an emergency session on the state of the economy that Nigeria would be a net exporter of finished products.
“We are very optimistic that by December this country will be a net exporter. That means a combination of production coming from us, and also from the Dangote refinery and other smaller producing companies that we know are in line to do this.
“So, I can confirm to you, Mr. Chairman, that by the end of the year, this country will be a net exporter of petroleum products.
“And specific to the NNPC refinery. As you recall, and we have spoken to a number of your committees, it is impossible to have the Kaduna refinery come into operation before December, it will get to December. Both Warri and Kaduna.
“Let me explain this very clearly. We did have mechanical completion of the Port Harcourt refinery, which means that every technical work that is required to get the refinery to work has been completed. This is what we announced December last year, if you recall.
” No, We’re not lying to you, Mr. President. This is a technical process.
“We do our best. You can put debts on a refinery start-up, but it is when you get to start-up that you see the real challenges, even for a new refinery. As you can see, even a new, porthacouurtģ refinery, it really has to take steps and processes to get it to full operationality.”
