President Bola Tinubu has rejected former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s claim that Nigeria’s state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna may never become operational.

Tinubu, in what appears to be his clearest position so far on the viability of the three refineries, maintained that the facilities will eventually resume operations despite years of inactivity and substantial funds spent on rehabilitation and turnaround maintenance.

The President stated this on Thursday when he received the Executive President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Salimon Oladiti, and other members of the union at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Tinubu’s position comes amid renewed concerns over the future of the three government-owned refineries and their ability to operate sustainably after several rehabilitation efforts.

Obasanjo has repeatedly questioned the viability of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries, particularly in view of the significant public funds committed to their rehabilitation over the years.

However, Tinubu expressed confidence that the facilities would eventually become operational, signalling the Federal Government’s continued commitment to reviving Nigeria’s state-owned refineries.