By CHARLES IWUOHA

Minister of State Petroleum Resources (oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has clarified that the statement made by Engr Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the ministry did not represent his view at a conference in Lagos.

Lokpobiri stated that he directed the Nigerian petroleum Company limited to stop running its own refineries and focus on equity participation in other refineries.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday, which the minister personal signed and made available to News Express.

The statement reads: "My attention has been drawn to statements made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented me at a recent conference in Lagos.

"I wish to categorically state that the claim that I directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its own refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries is false.

"This does not represent my position as Minister overseeing the oil sector, nor does it reflect the stance of the Federal Government.

"It is important to clarify that NNPCL is a company governed under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with a functional board and management.

"The Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control or run NNPCL, as it operates independently like any corporate entity.

"The oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and the Nigerian government remains committed to promoting in-country refining.

"We encourage companies, including NNPCL, to operate independently, following global best practices.

"While we provide strategic guidance, we do not interfere directly in the operations of these companies.

"I reaffirm our commitment to supporting the growth and independence of NNPCL, ensuring that its operations are in line with international standards for efficiency and transparency and profitability.?

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