₦airaland Forum

Pojomojo:
It’s understandable why former President Olusegun Obasanjo holds such a strong view about Nigeria’s refineries, given his past experience. But saying they will never work again may be too absolute—and perhaps overlooks what is still possible with the right approach.

First, the challenges he listed—poor maintenance, corruption, and outdated capacity—are real. Even Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has admitted the refineries are currently underperforming. However, those problems are not unique to Nigeria, and other countries have successfully revived aging refineries through proper reforms, transparent management, and credible technical partnerships.

Second, the global energy landscape has evolved since Obasanjo’s time in office. While major oil companies like Shell plc may prioritize upstream profits, there are now specialized refinery operators and engineering firms whose business is exactly this—turning around inefficient downstream assets. That’s precisely what NNPC is trying to tap into with its current search for technical partners.

Also, the success of the Nigeria LNG Limited project that Obasanjo referenced actually strengthens the case for reform rather than abandonment. It shows that with the right ownership structure, governance, and private-sector discipline, state-linked energy projects in Nigeria can work.

Then there’s the example of Aliko Dangote’s refinery. While it highlights how efficient private investment can be, it doesn’t necessarily mean public refineries are beyond saving—it simply raises the standard they must meet. Competing may be difficult, but not impossible, especially if the goal is to reduce import dependence and strengthen energy security.

In reality, the question isn’t whether the refineries can ever work again—it’s whether Nigeria is willing to implement the tough structural changes needed to make them work. That includes transparency, accountability, and possibly letting go of full government control.

So rather than writing them off completely, it may be more productive to see this moment as a test: can Nigeria finally fix what has long been broken, or will history repeat itself?

The refineries are way beyond fixing

Any piece of machinery needs regular maintenance and upgrading for it to work (one American doctor once bought a sports car, parked it in his house, did not use or maintain it for years, and by the time he tried to drive it it was rust basically).

NNPC was starved of funds for maintenance and upgrading by the government policy of subsidy. All the problems you outlined were caused by the issue of subsidy.

This old man dey annoy me. So as president you knew all this why didn't you build a new larger one? In fact this guy and all the presidents after him are just failures. Even "Saint" Umaru.

slickbak:
NNPC IS LIKE A DARK TUNNEL. THE MORE YOU SHINE YOUR LIGHT, THE DARKER IT BECOMES.

Safe to say we were defrauded of another $16B and no one is facing consequences.

Lol , this is Nigeria.

It can work but is inefficient and too susceptible to corruption.

OneCandleAway:
Only the picture on pant was altered. But there are even videos of the women dancing with pant

It was not given out by the Government.
Why will anyone alter thr original picture, for what purpose?

I will say this even if I'm busy.
The ogas at the top will will rather hire quacks and family member, sell the job to the incompetence than hiring the actual people who can do the job.

Nah Nigerian spoil Nigeria. Corrupt people everywhere.

No X Gen should talk to any millennial or Gen Z about morals, they had it good during their time but choose to be greedy.

Pojomojo:
It’s understandable why former President Olusegun Obasanjo holds such a strong view about Nigeria’s refineries, given his past experience. But saying they will never work again may be too absolute—and perhaps overlooks what is still possible with the right approach.

First, the challenges he listed—poor maintenance, corruption, and outdated capacity—are real. Even Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has admitted the refineries are currently underperforming. However, those problems are not unique to Nigeria, and other countries have successfully revived aging refineries through proper reforms, transparent management, and credible technical partnerships.

Second, the global energy landscape has evolved since Obasanjo’s time in office. While major oil companies like Shell plc may prioritize upstream profits, there are now specialized refinery operators and engineering firms whose business is exactly this—turning around inefficient downstream assets. That’s precisely what NNPC is trying to tap into with its current search for technical partners.

Also, the success of the Nigeria LNG Limited project that Obasanjo referenced actually strengthens the case for reform rather than abandonment. It shows that with the right ownership structure, governance, and private-sector discipline, state-linked energy projects in Nigeria can work.

Then there’s the example of Aliko Dangote’s refinery. While it highlights how efficient private investment can be, it doesn’t necessarily mean public refineries are beyond saving—it simply raises the standard they must meet. Competing may be difficult, but not impossible, especially if the goal is to reduce import dependence and strengthen energy security.

In reality, the question isn’t whether the refineries can ever work again—it’s whether Nigeria is willing to implement the tough structural changes needed to make them work. That includes transparency, accountability, and possibly letting go of full government control.

So rather than writing them off completely, it may be more productive to see this moment as a test: can Nigeria finally fix what has long been broken, or will history repeat itself?

Those refineries are old. They are out of the modern day technology, one other major reason why they can never work again.

nairalanda1:
They are...only Angola, Algeria and LIbya pay less for petrol than Nigeria. All other African countries pay higher.

Angola self is planning to remove subsides completely by 2028. Algeria has issues funding subsidy. Only LIbya can afford subsides because it is a small country with 8 million people, producing as much oil as Nigeria with 230 million.

"Paying higher" to the extend of buying a liter between 4-5,000 naira equivalent? Do some of your guys reason at all? Perhaps you lot are only good in making senseless comments.

AbosedeFalade:
"Paying higher" to the extend of buying a liter between 4-5,000 naira equivalent? Do some of your guys reason at all? Perhaps you lot are only good in making senseless comments.

LOL...you are now shifting goalposts.

If you want to campaign for obi, please do, we need tinubu out, but please do not mislead people.

PigTormentor:
Go and verify, it's a lie and the original pictures were changed for propaganda purpose.
This is not the real picture. The face was su0er imposed by someone. They never gave out any panties to anyone.
Don't believe everything you see online.

U can show us the original picture

Oga Leboska, rather Obasanjo validates Tinubu's stand. More private refineries have been approved and NNPC has been pushed to the side. It is good to always read and comprehend before making comments.

Leboska:
This is a very glaring truth but tinubu is deceiving his supporters with propaganda but fact have proven otherwise

Kanwulia:
Now he is talking non-stop! Failed father of Nigerian democracy!😆

But far and extremely better than your Tinubu.
One of the best presidents in the history of Nigeria and well respected in the world

BeeNG3:
Iro lo paa! if it doesn't work in your presence, it will work in your absence. FAILURE.

Iro ke.. something wey dem spent $16b on last year. So wa okay?

yinkus6750:
You tried and gave your best to the country.
Posterity will remember you.
Atiku that you put in charge of privatisation messed up so many of them.
Thank God for Dangote refinery, we would have been buying petrol at 4-5,000/ litre by now.
Corruption killed NNPC, spending money on it is like a drain pipe. Better to scrap them and give more licenses for private refineries.

Same yar adua they are praising for being the best president for reducing fuel prices and I creasing subsidy......if that was a sensible move why was is successor screaming that subsidy had to go.

Very simple, NNPC staff and top brass make their money from fake rehabilition of those refinery.
I have heard of engineering companies collecting contract for rehabilitation of tank farms, only to funnel 40% of that contract as kickback to the MD of the refinery, this is money running into millions of dollars. The secretary at the office passing the files around, the members of the contract tender board, the people in finance department at nnpc HQ processing payment to contractors, they all get gifts from these contractors. If the Refineries work, they will all not have money to fund their lifestyle. They are all like that. NNPC will damage the country. Nnpc staff just want to make money and send their kids abroad, nothing concerns them about what is good for the country.
They are happy to be the comfortable ones in the midst of plenty poverty in the nation. They are more devilish than Nigerian Police.

Kanwulia:
Now he is talking non-stop! Failed father of Nigerian democracy!😆

Sharap!
The man gave straight forward answers. He was increasing fuel price but didn't to borrow $16bn to do fake refinery when his sense should v told him it's a futile exercise. Instead of asking Dangote to come and teach him business.

Bulabam:
Sharap!
The man gave straight forward answers. He was increasing fuel price but didn't to borrow $16bn to do fake refinery when his sense should v told him it's a futile exercise. Instead of asking Dangote to come and teach him business.

Then you do not know that OBJ of a clown. I leave you to your ignorance.

Noblex2011:
But far and extremely better than your Tinubu.
One of the best presidents in the history of Nigeria and well respected in the world

No different between OBJ and Tinubu.
Fake Nationalists and extremely greedy and selfish.

yinkus6750:
You tried and gave your best to the country.
Posterity will remember you.
Atiku that you put in charge of privatisation messed up so many of them.
Thank God for Dangote refinery, we would have been buying petrol at 4-5,000/ litre by now.
Corruption killed NNPC, spending money on it is like a drain pipe. Better to scrap them and give more licenses for private refineries.

You see this nonsense of Atiku selling this or that is a complete rubbish. Did you hear Atiku name on the selling of the refinery. Can a vice President sells anything without the approval of the president?
Secondly everything that they privatised was the best decision because they would have been siphoning money maintaining dead things like the refineries. Just imagine the billions of dollars spent on a dead refinery. That means even if they have given Dangote the refinery for free the government would not have wasted 16 billion dollars for a failed maintenance.

Figurine007:
OBJ is shoulder higher than your father and far better than him as well

God forbid! My father NEVER slept with any of his daughters-in-law. Abominable APE! Twaaaaaaaaaah!

https://www.nairaland.com/146395/father-father-law-made-love


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F0PvhtfbMo?si=N04RhDieSl98W0Vy

NewWorldOrder20:
But your messiah Tinubu that is deceiving your entire generation, is not failed as well..

Oga please Ronu!

Use that brain of yours for once

Abeg! I am OK! Don’t contaminate me with APC political cancer! Twa.
No difference between Tinubu and OBJ(BABA THIRD TERM AGENDA). Fake Democrats ati OCCULT-RIGOCRATS!

Even OBJ that sleeps with all his daughters-in-law? 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮HIGH SPARROW OF NIGERIA INCESST CLUB. Tufiaaaaaaaakwa!!!!

Yet, Tinubu's uneducated supporters were praising him when they said the refinery has started working...

Shioooor

You can't compare a stateman with a drugman.

You can't compare a nationalist with a sectional leader.

You can't compare Obj with the rogue in the Rock

"As the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited continues its search for technical partners to operate the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has once again insisted that the facilities will never work."

Mr. Obasanjo is good at coming up with solutions about problems facing Nigerian, only after leaving office, not while in office.
I wonder who believes him.
phony solution!

Baptish:
"As the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited continues its search for technical partners to operate the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has once again insisted that the facilities will never work."

Mr. Obasanjo is good at coming up with solutions about problems facing Nigerian, only after leaving office, not while in office.
I wonder who believes him.
phony solution!

Go and learn more about federalism!



Juxtapose it with military era............

Kanwulia:
Abeg! I am OK! Don’t contaminate me with APC political cancer! Twa.
No difference between Tinubu and OBJ(BABA THIRD TERM AGENDA). Fake Democrats ati OCCULT-RIGOCRATS!

Even OBJ that sleeps with all his daughters-in-law? 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮HIGH SPARROW OF NIGERIA INCESST CLUB. Tufiaaaaaaaakwa!!!!

My brother I can mention one specific reform policy obj took and you are benefiting till today.

I believe you know that this internet is one of the benefit of obj.. You can argue with your keyboard?

I believe if it's Tinubu. Omo Let me leave the imagination to be unimaginable. The task master will never allow the thing or if he eventually allows it, na him and his folk go de enjoy internet or mobile communication

NewWorldOrder20:
My brother I can mention one specific reform policy obj took and you are benefiting till today.

I believe you know that this internet is one of the benefit of obj.. You can argue with your keyboard?

I believe if it's Tinubu. Omo Let me leave the imagination to be unimaginable. The task master will never allow the thing or if he eventually allows it, na him and his folk go de enjoy internet or mobile communication

Then you don’t know OBJ. GSM reform ko! Let him tell you who killed Bola Ige, his OWN brother. Twa!

Kanwulia:
Then you don’t know OBJ. GSM reform ko! Let him tell you who killed Bola Ige, his OWN brother. Twa!

My question remains, why have your legendary Tinubu done?
Obj brought GSM.. I repeat argue with your keyboard.

You can see how simple I define what I gain from Obj government, not only me but 200m people either rural settlements or urban. What have Tinubu did that is not just for is own inner circle? Please be simple with it as well

I laugh when some say Yar'Adua is the best president in the 4th republic. He failed big time! Jus an ethnic jingoist. If he was just average, nigeria power and oil production would have leaped

Reference:
Please stop showing this. It is terribly degrading.... please.

^^^