Harvard Alumnus commends Tinubu for reviving Port Harcourt, Warri refineries
A Harvard University alumnus and prominent member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr Abdullahi Hashim, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the successful reactivation of the Port Harcourt Refinery and Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Plant.
Hashim, who is also a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and a Fellow of the College of Diplomacy and International Relations (FCDIR), described the achievement as a significant step towards boosting local petroleum production and reducing Nigeria’s dependency on imports.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Hashim noted that past administrations since 1999 failed to achieve what Tinubu has accomplished within 18 months of his presidency. He praised the administration for freeing up foreign exchange spent on fuel imports and supporting the naira’s value.
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“Tinubu’s reactivation of Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries is a milestone that will reposition Nigeria as a leading refiner in Africa,” Hashim said. He urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to expedite repairs on Kaduna Refinery and the older Port Harcourt Refinery to further strengthen Nigeria’s refining capacity.
Hashim highlighted the broader economic benefits of the revived refineries, including the development of downstream industries that produce petrochemicals, fertilizers, and other products. “This shift from exporting raw materials to supplying value-added products will not only boost local production but also enhance the naira’s competitiveness against international currencies,” he stated.
He called on private investors and governments to explore opportunities in the oil and gas sector to accelerate economic growth.
Hashim also weighed in on the controversial Tax Reform Bill currently before the National Assembly. He emphasized the need for extensive consultations to address concerns, particularly from northern stakeholders, who feel disadvantaged by the proposed reforms.
“The division on the Tax Reform Bill reflects structural deficiencies in our economy,” Hashim said. He urged northern governors to invest in farms and factories rather than focusing on projects like airports and dry ports, arguing that these would create taxable businesses and improve economic conditions.
Hashim concluded with a call for visionary leadership from northern governors, encouraging them to prioritize human capital development and policies that enhance the purchasing power of citizens. He stressed the urgency of addressing economic disparities and structural issues for Nigeria’s long-term prosperity.
“Failure to act decisively at this stage could have dire consequences,” he warned, urging stakeholders to adopt a value-driven approach to reforms.
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