Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has accused private operators in the petroleum refining sector of attempting to discredit the Port Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC), which resumed operations on Tuesday. He alleged that these operators, driven by a desire for monopoly, are undermining the refinery’s revival.
In a post on his X handle, Fani-Kayode stated:
“It is a pity that some elements in the private sector who are new in the field are doing all they can to undermine and understate this great victory for Nigeria. The oil business is not the same as selling sugar, spaghetti, cement, or rice, and no matter how hard you try, you cannot muscle your way and create a monopoly on the sale of refined products as you did for other commodities over the years.”
Describing the reopening of the refinery as a landmark achievement, Fani-Kayode credited the success to President Bola Tinubu and the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). He expressed confidence that the NNPC’s operations would continue to expand, ultimately alleviating challenges faced by Nigerians once all its refineries are operational.
He further stated:
“Let the new kid on the block flourish, but let the NNPC refineries flourish too. That should be our goal, not a squalid attempt to discredit NNPC and its leadership.”
While restating his support for the NNPC’s progress under Mele Kyari, Fani-Kayode remarked:
“Every optimistic and true lover of Nigeria’s progress and President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda must be proud of the GMD Mele Kyari.
“His tenacity, bravery, ingenuity and forthrightness have been rewarded with this great feat. Surely this is hope renewed for Nigerians.”
