NNPC Refineries Will Never Work – Obasanjo Reignites Oil Sector Debate - Newstrends
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NNPC Refineries Will Never Work – Obasanjo Reignites Oil Sector Debate

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Obasanjo Warns Some Causes of Nigeria’s 1967 Civil War Still Persist
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

NNPC Refineries Will Never Work – Obasanjo Reignites Oil Sector Debate

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has restated his long-standing criticism of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, insisting that the facilities under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) will “never work,” despite ongoing rehabilitation efforts and billions of dollars reportedly spent over the years.

Obasanjo made the remarks during a televised interview on Sony Irabor Live, where he reviewed past attempts to revive Nigeria’s refining sector and argued that government-managed refineries have consistently failed due to inefficiency, corruption, and poor maintenance culture.

He maintained that only a strong public-private partnership (PPP) model can deliver sustainable results in the oil and gas downstream sector, pointing to the success of Nigeria LNG (NLNG) as proof that private sector participation improves performance and accountability.

Obasanjo said Nigeria’s refineries remain structurally weak and mismanaged, stressing that repeated government interventions have failed to yield results. According to him, “NNPC refineries will never work,” adding that the system has been weighed down by decades of poor maintenance practices and institutional inefficiencies.

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The former president recalled efforts during his administration to bring in international oil companies, including Shell, to manage Nigeria’s refineries either through equity participation or operational control. He said Shell declined the offers, explaining that their downstream operations were not major profit drivers and that refinery management presented significant operational and structural risks. Obasanjo also said Shell raised concerns about Nigeria’s refinery capacities, which he described as relatively small compared to global standards, as well as issues of poor maintenance, corruption, and reliance on unqualified personnel.

Obasanjo further disclosed that business mogul Aliko Dangote once offered about $750 million to acquire a controlling stake in two of the refineries and manage them under a private sector arrangement. He said the proposal was initially accepted during his tenure but was later reversed after he left office, following pressure on the succeeding administration from NNPC leadership. According to him, the reversal contributed significantly to the continued decline of the refineries, which he believes have lost much of their value over time.

He also claimed that Nigeria may have spent as much as $16 billion on refinery rehabilitation efforts over the years, yet the facilities remain largely inefficient and commercially uncompetitive. He compared this figure with the cost of building modern private refineries, arguing that the country has spent enough to construct world-class facilities but has failed to achieve functional output.

Despite the criticism, the NNPC continues efforts to revive the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries through the engagement of new technical partners. Officials have acknowledged that although some of the refineries briefly resumed operations in 2024 after rehabilitation, they are still operating below international standards and remain economically uncompetitive compared to private refineries. The NNPC has set a target of June 2026 to conclude the selection of technical partners to manage the facilities and improve operational efficiency.

The debate over Nigeria’s refining future has intensified following the emergence of the privately owned Dangote Refinery, widely regarded as Africa’s largest single-train refinery. Industry observers say the contrast between private and state-owned refinery performance continues to fuel arguments in favour of private sector-led management of critical energy infrastructure.

The NNPC has not issued an official response to Obasanjo’s latest comments at the time of filing this report.

NNPC Refineries Will Never Work – Obasanjo Reignites Oil Sector Debate

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Toyota Corolla Cross: The SUV That Blends Everyday Comfort With Practicality

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Toyota Corolla Cross: The SUV That Blends Everyday Comfort With Practicality

With its elevated driving position, spacious cabin, advanced safety technologies and fuel-efficient hybrid options, the Toyota Corolla Cross offers motorists a compelling blend of SUV versatility and everyday convenience.

For motorists seeking a vehicle that combines the comfort of a family car with the versatility of a sport utility vehicle, the Toyota Corolla Cross presents an attractive option in the increasingly competitive crossover market.

Developed around the familiar Corolla nameplate, the Corolla Cross brings together the practicality associated with the Corolla range and the elevated stance, generous interior space and utility expected of an SUV.
Toyota describes the model as combining spacious interior accommodation and outstanding utility with responsive performance and fuel efficiency.

The result is a vehicle designed to appeal to families, professionals and urban motorists who want a versatile vehicle for daily commuting, business engagements, weekend outings and longer journeys.

SUV styling meets everyday functionality

The Corolla Cross adopts the raised body profile and commanding road presence of an SUV while retaining proportions intended to make it manageable for everyday driving.

Its design seeks to balance visual appeal with functionality, giving buyers an alternative to conventional saloon cars without requiring them to move into a larger SUV.

The elevated seating position can provide drivers with a more commanding view of the road, while the crossover format offers flexibility for passengers, shopping, luggage and other everyday transportation needs.

For Nigerian motorists navigating a combination of busy city streets, highways and varying road conditions, these characteristics make the model worth considering as an all-round family and business vehicle.

Comfort and space for modern motorists

Interior space is an important part of the Corolla Cross proposition. Its cabin is designed to accommodate passengers comfortably while providing practical storage and luggage-carrying capability for everyday activities.

The model’s SUV-inspired layout offers an alternative for customers who need more versatility than a conventional compact saloon but do not necessarily require a full-size SUV.

Depending on the grade, Nigerian buyers should confirm the availability of specific convenience and infotainment features, including touchscreen functions, smartphone connectivity, climate control and other equipment, with an authorised Toyota dealer.

Fuel efficiency and hybrid technology

Fuel economy remains a significant consideration for Nigerian vehicle buyers, particularly households and businesses seeking to manage running costs.

Toyota’s Corolla Cross range includes hybrid versions in selected markets, combining a petrol engine with an electric motor to improve efficiency. The official Toyota Corolla Cross product information highlights fuel-saving hybrid technology as one of the model’s major strengths.

Toyota also lists an E-Four electric four-wheel-drive system on applicable hybrid versions. Availability of this drivetrain and the associated features depends on the specific version.

Actual fuel consumption will vary according to the powertrain, driving conditions, traffic, vehicle load and driving style. Prospective Nigerian buyers should therefore confirm the engine, transmission and hybrid availability of the exact vehicle being offered locally rather than assume that every international specification is available in Nigeria.

Safety and driver assistance

Safety is another important element of the Corolla Cross package.

Toyota’s international product information highlights Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of active safety and driver-assistance technologies designed to support drivers in everyday traffic situations. Depending on the model grade and market, the package may include functions intended to help detect potential collisions and support safer driving.

The manufacturer’s information also identifies parking assistance and a back-guide monitor on applicable grades, helping drivers manoeuvre in confined spaces.

However, equipment can differ by market and specification. Buyers should request confirmation of the safety features fitted to the particular Corolla Cross being sold by Toyota (Nigeria) Limited or its accredited dealers.

Backed by Toyota’s Nigerian dealer network

Beyond the vehicle’s design and equipment, the availability of authorised sales, servicing and genuine spare parts is an important consideration for buyers.

Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, appointed distributor of Toyota Motor Corporation in Nigeria, operates through seven accredited dealers across the country. The company says its network supports vehicle sales, after-sales services and the supply of genuine parts.

Purchasing an eligible new vehicle through an accredited dealer also provides access to Toyota (Nigeria) Limited’s stated basic warranty of three years or 100,000 kilometres, whichever comes first, subject to the manufacturer’s terms and conditions.

The company says its Nigerian-market vehicles are configured with local operating conditions in mind, including a Severe User Package designed to help vehicles cope with challenging road and environmental conditions. Customers should confirm the precise specification applicable to the Corolla Cross they intend to purchase.

Where to enquire about the Toyota Corolla Cross

Customers can contact Toyota (Nigeria) Limited’s accredited dealers to confirm the Corolla Cross’s availability, current price, engine and transmission options, colour choices, warranty coverage and delivery arrangements.

The seven dealers listed on Toyota (Nigeria) Limited’s official website are:
Elizade Nigeria Limited, R.T. Briscoe (Nigeria), Omoregie Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Mandilas Enterprises Limited,
Kojo Motors Limited and Metropolitan Motors Limited.
Dealer contacts and locations can be checked on Toyota (Nigeria) Limited’s official website at www.toyotanigeria.com/dealers/.

A versatile choice for the modern driver

The Toyota Corolla Cross brings together the elevated stance of an SUV, the everyday practicality of the Corolla nameplate and the availability of fuel-efficient hybrid technology in selected versions.

For Nigerian buyers weighing comfort, utility, safety and long-term ownership support, the model deserves consideration as a versatile vehicle for both personal and family use.

 

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Hyundai Unveils Mufasa, Grand Creta SUVs to Strengthen Nigeria Line-up (Updated)

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Hyundai Unveils Mufasa, Grand Creta SUVs to Strengthen Nigeria Line-up (Updated)

 

Hyundai Motors Nigeria has expanded its sport utility vehicle (SUV) range with the introduction of the all-new Mufasa and Grand Creta, offering Nigerian motorists more choices in styling, performance, technology and passenger comfort.

The two models, unveiled in Lagos on Wednesday, are targeted at different customer segments, with the Mufasa designed for motorists seeking a stylish, five-seater SUV, while the Grand Creta offers a three-row, seven-seater configuration suited to larger families and customers requiring additional passenger space.

The launch underscores Hyundai’s efforts to strengthen its presence in Nigeria’s competitive automotive market, where demand for versatile vehicles that combine comfort, safety, performance and practicality continues to shape consumer preferences.

Speaking at the launch, Hyundai Motors Nigeria’s General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Mr Gaurav Vashisht, said the new models reflected the company’s commitment to providing vehicles that meet the changing needs of Nigerian customers.

“The SUV segment continues to attract strong interest in Nigeria, as customers increasingly prioritise comfort, safety, technology and versatility,” Vashisht said.

He also gave a rundown of the two new vehicles’ features even as he stated that the Mufasa and Grand Creta were designed to meet different lifestyle requirements while maintaining Hyundai’s global standards of quality and innovation.

 

Mufasa targets style-conscious motorists

The Hyundai Mufasa combines bold exterior styling with a spacious cabin and features designed for everyday driving. Its distinctive front grille, signature LED lighting and muscular bodywork give it a commanding road presence.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre Smartstream multipoint fuel injection (MPi) petrol engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the market specification, the engine produces approximately 150–160 horsepower and 193Nm of torque.

The five-seater SUV measures about 4,475mm in length, with a 2,680mm wheelbase, providing room for passengers and luggage while retaining a practical footprint for urban driving and longer journeys.

Its cabin features a modern dashboard, digital displays and storage spaces, while available equipment, depending on the variant, includes touchscreen infotainment, smartphone connectivity, automatic climate control, wireless charging and selectable driving modes.

Safety and driver-support features include anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, airbags and parking assistance, subject to the vehicle specification.

The Mufasa is positioned as an option for professionals, younger motorists and families seeking a combination of contemporary design, technology and everyday usability.

 

Grand Creta offers seven-seat flexibility

The Grand Creta complements the Mufasa with a larger cabin and seating for up to seven occupants, making it suitable for families and motorists who prioritise passenger capacity and interior flexibility.

The SUV is powered by an available 2.0-litre Smartstream petrol engine producing approximately 159 horsepower and 191Nm of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is offered on automatic variant.

Its 2,760mm wheelbase supports a spacious three-row layout, while the flexible seating arrangement allows occupants to adjust the cabin to accommodate passengers or luggage.

Depending on the trim, convenience features include an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, rear air-conditioning vents, keyless entry, push-button start and a digital instrument cluster.

Higher-specification versions may also feature leather-appointed seats, ventilated front seats, automatic climate control, wireless charging and a panoramic sunroof.

Safety equipment offered across the range includes six airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points.

The model is aimed particularly at larger families seeking additional space and comfort without sacrificing the styling and versatility associated with SUVs.

 

After-sales support in focus

Beyond the new models, Hyundai Motors Nigeria says it is focused on delivering a comprehensive ownership experience through its authorised dealership network, after-sales services and access to genuine spare parts.

Vashisht said the Mufasa would appeal to customers seeking bold styling, modern technology and dynamic performance, while the Grand Creta would cater to those requiring greater passenger capacity, comfort and versatility.

“Our objective is not simply to introduce new vehicles but to deliver a complete ownership experience,” he said, reaffirming the company’s commitment to building long-term customer confidence in the Hyundai brand.

The two additions expand Hyundai’s existing SUV portfolio, which includes the Creta, Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade.

Their introduction comes as automakers compete to attract Nigerian buyers with vehicles offering a balance of comfort, safety, technology, performance and long-term ownership value.

With the Mufasa and Grand Creta, Hyundai is seeking to broaden its appeal across different customer categories while strengthening its position in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive SUV market.

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Happening now: Hyundai unveiling of Mufasa and Grand Creta

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Happening now: Hyundai unveiling of Mufasa and Grand Creta (photos)

Two latest models of Hyundai auto brands are currently being officially rolled out in Lagos. The new vehicles are Mufasa and Grand Creta.

The unveiling is taking place at the Hyundai showroom on Akin Adesola Street Victoria Island, Lagos.

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