By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has been commended by the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) for successfully completing the long-awaited rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery after several failed self-imposed deadlines.

The group described this as a significant achievement, which it said marks a pivotal step towards revitalizing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and ensuring energy security for the Nigerian people.

“The rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery will be a legacy achievement for the Mele Kyari-led management team.

“We see this success as a fruit of our commitment to advocacy for enhanced Nigeria’s refining capacity, reduced dependency on imported petroleum products, and urgent need to combat corruption in the petroleum industry,” the organisation stated in a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr James Ezema.

But it tasked NNPC to “adopt a more transparent and accountable approach in its operations,” submitting that, “As a government-owned commercial entity, it is imperative that NNPC Limited operates with the highest standards of openness, ensuring that the Nigerian people are fully informed about its activities and financial dealings.”

“Transparency is not only a cornerstone of good governance but also essential for building public trust and confidence,” the CNPP stated.

The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria equally called on NNPC Limited “to avoid the controversies that have previously marred the resuscitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery as a result of failure to meet its own set deadlines.”

“It is crucial that the processes for reviving the remaining Nigerian refineries, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are conducted with utmost integrity and transparency. The Nigerian people deserve to see clear, accountable, and efficient management of these vital national assets.

“Furthermore, the CNPP appeals to President Tinubu to ensure greater transparency within the oil industry. Increased transparency will attract more investment, drive economic growth, and reduce the corruption that has long plagued the sector.

“Corruption in the oil and gas industry has been a significant detriment to Nigeria’s economy, leading to substantial revenue losses and forcing the country into a cycle of borrowing.

“The CNPP insists that addressing corruption and enhancing transparency in the oil and gas sector is paramount to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth. The Nigerian people must be assured that their resources are managed responsibly and that the benefits of these resources are equitably distributed.

“The Nigerian people expects a cheaper pump price of locally refined petroleum products in the coming days.

“The CNPP remains committed to advocating for policies and practices that promote good governance, accountability, and sustainable development in Nigeria.

“We will continue to monitor the activities of NNPC Limited and other key stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to ensure that the interests of the Nigerian people are always prioritized above personal mundane interests,” the group said.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has vowed to permanently shut down all illegal cross-border routes used for smuggling petroleum products, particularly Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), known as petrol, out of Nigeria.

This is as it plans to complement efforts by other security agencies including the Nigerian Army, Navy, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in curbing the illicit trade of energy products.

This was disclosed by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind (NCS) Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, who made the announcement revealed that in a recent operation, Customs officials seized 849 kegs of PMS, each containing 25 liters, along with two Mazda 626 vehicles used for cross-border transportation.

Mr Ejibunu, during a press briefing at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos, said the total value of the seized items, based on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited retail price, was estimated at N30.225 million.

According to him, this marked the seventh successful operation in the southwest region under the ongoing crackdown by Operation Whirlwind.

“About five weeks ago, similar PMS products were displayed here at the college parade ground. Our operation has tightened the grip on smugglers, leaving no room for their illegal activities across the country.

“We will ensure all illegal PMS smuggling routes leading to neighbouring countries are permanently blocked,” Mr Ejibunu pledged.

He also expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser and the Comptroller-General of Customs for their continued support.

He pledged the commitment of the NCS in continuing with the efforts, with the aim of stabilizing fuel prices and preventing artificial shortages caused by illegal smuggling.

“We are grateful to the National Security Adviser and the Comptroller-General of Customs for their continued support,” he added.

Business Post reported recently that the Nigerian Navy halted the cross-border snuggling of 20,000 litres of petrol bound for Cameroon and arrested three suspects.

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