By Charles Pemu 
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is facing heavy criticism after revelations that the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), despite a $897.6 million rehabilitation, has been shut since January 25, 2025, due to safety issues in its Crude Distillation Unit. This came barely a month after NNPC declared its operational.
Similarly, the Port Harcourt Refinery, rehabilitated at a cost of $1.5 billion, is operating at less than 40% capacity—contrary to earlier NNPC claims of 70%. Production figures between November 2024 and April 2025 revealed erratic and underwhelming outputs, with PMS (petrol) production notably falling to zero in March and April 2025.
Industry experts and stakeholders have expressed deep disappointment. They criticized the NNPC’s lack of transparency, inefficiency, and the massive financial waste, urging President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on refineries and overhaul their management.
Energy experts like Bala Zaka and Dan Kunle argue that the refineries’ supposed revitalization is merely political propaganda, with no real impact on fuel availability or price reduction. Kunle labeled the rehabilitation a “scandal” and applauded the removal of former NNPC GCEO Mele Kyari, accusing him of mismanagement and failure to complete key projects.
Marketers also lament the current dependence on the Dangote refinery, warning of monopolistic risks and the collapse of true competition in the downstream sector.
NNPC has yet to officially address the damning new data, beyond previous vague claims of “routine maintenance.”