Applause, controversies greet Port Harcourt Refinery resumption
…200 trucks expected to load product daily
…NNPC slams false claims, reaffirms progress at PH Refinery
…As Tinubu hails NNPC Ltd, directs prompt reactivation of other refineries
…Never say never — Presidency hits back at Obasanjo
…NUPENG applauds successful resumption, eyes further refinery revitalizations
Applause and controversies have greeted the resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery, as the long-awaited revitalisation project nears completion. After years of underperformance, the refinery — one of Nigeria’s largest state-owned oil processing facilities — has begun processing crude oil again, signalling a potential shift towards greater fuel self-sufficiency.
While government officials and industry stakeholders have lauded the development as a step towards reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined products, critics question the timely execution of the revitalisation efforts and the long-term sustainability of the refinery’s operations, citing previous setbacks and ongoing challenges.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) for successfully revitalising the Port Harcourt Refinery.
The milestone was celebrated with the commencement of petroleum product loading at the refinery.
Recall that NNPCL on Tuesday, November 26, announced that the Port Harcourt Refinery has commenced operations.
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye made the confirmation on Tuesday.
He said that the loading of trucks would start today
“Port Harcourt Refinery begins production, truck loading starts today, Tuesday,” he said.
According to Olufemi Soneye, the River State-based refinery will operate at 60 percent capacity. Soneye confirmed that the refinery aims to process 60,000 bpd.
The Refinery, when fully operational, has a combined production capacity of 250,000 barrels per day.
In a statement released by Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu lauded the tireless efforts of the NNPC Ltd. and the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries.
He also expressed gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for financing the critical project that played a significant role in bringing the refinery back to life.
The Port Harcourt Refinery is now poised to contribute to Nigeria’s energy security by producing key petroleum products such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Household Kerosene (HHK).
The reactivation of the Port Harcourt Refinery comes after extensive rehabilitation work led by NNPC Ltd., with the refinery now capable of producing vital petroleum products for domestic consumption.
With the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, President Tinubu urges NNPC Limited to expedite the scheduled reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
Speaking at a brief ceremony to mark the commencement of product loading, NNPC Ltd. Group CEO, Mele Kyari, hailed the achievement as a monumental step for Nigeria’s energy independence.
He particularly commended President Tinubu for his unwavering support of the rehabilitation project, which he said was key to ensuring Nigeria’s energy security.
Kyari expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his steadfast support throughout the rehabilitation process.
He acknowledged the President’s persistence in ensuring Nigeria’s energy security, which he said played a pivotal role in the successful revival of the refinery.
Kyari also thanked the NNPC Ltd. Board of Directors and the entire staff for their dedication and support, as well as the contractors who overcame numerous challenges to deliver the project.
“We are here today to witness the fruition of years of hard work and commitment. The Port Harcourt Refinery is once again delivering on its mandate, and it represents a significant step forward in our journey towards energy self-sufficiency,” Kyari said.
…200 trucks expected to load product daily — Presidency
The refinery’s Old Wing, which boasts a production capacity of 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day, is now fully operational.
A daily throughput of approximately 200 trucks is expected to load petroleum products from the refinery, signalling the commencement of a new era in Nigeria’s oil sector.
Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation to the President, Sunday Dare, made this announcement on Tuesday, stating that this significant development would further boost Nigeria’s domestic petroleum production capacity.
“The Port Harcourt Refinery has two Wings. The Old Refinery comes on stream today with an installed production capacity of 60,000 barrels per day of crude oil. About 200 trucks are expected to load products daily from the refinery, renewing the hopes of Nigeria,” Dare said.
The resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery follows an ambitious and comprehensive rehabilitation effort, which has been a key part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for revitalising the nation’s oil and gas sector.
The resumption is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products, which has cost the nation billions of dollars annually.
With the Dangote Refinery set to come online soon, Nigeria is aiming to become a net exporter of petroleum products by 2025, reducing the cost of fuel imports, which has often weighed heavily on the nation’s economy.
…Never say never – Presidency hits back at Obasanjo over old comment
The presidency has responded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s earlier skepticism about President Bola Tinubu’s ability to revitalise the Port Harcourt Refinery, following the facility’s successful commencement of operations on Tuesday.
In a statement that called out Obasanjo’s past comments, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, highlighted the stark contrast between the former president’s prediction and the reality of the refinery’s operational success.
It could be recalled that in September 2023, Obasanjo had expressed doubts about Tinubu’s plans to rehabilitate Nigeria’s refineries, remarking that his own attempts during his tenure had failed. At the time, he stated that Tinubu would be unable to succeed where he had not.
However, just over a year later, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) announced that the Port Harcourt Refinery had resumed operations and began producing and dispatching petroleum products. The refinery’s revival comes despite the challenges and doubts surrounding its rehabilitation.
In response, Onanuga shared Obasanjo’s earlier remarks and emphasised the importance of perseverance, determination, and faith in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
“Only Almighty God possesses the divine authority to declare what is achievable or not,” Onanuga said, quoting the presidential aide’s post on his official X handle.
He further stated, “Never say Never; Today, the Port Harcourt refinery begins its operations, producing petroleum products against all odds and scepticism.”
…NNPC slams false claims, reaffirms progress at PH Refinery
Also, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has strongly refuted misleading claims regarding the operational status of the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, emphasising its successful restart and the substantial progress made under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NNPC Ltd. expressed deep appreciation to Nigerians for their overwhelming support and enthusiasm following the successful restart of the 60,000 barrels-per-day Old Port Harcourt Refinery.
The refinery, which had faced operational setbacks for years, is now producing vital petroleum products to support the country’s domestic needs.
NNPC Ltd. clarified that the refinery is currently running at 70 percent of its installed capacity, with plans to ramp up production to 90 percent.
The facility is generating significant quantities of essential products, including 1.4 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol, 900,000 litres of kerosene, 1.5 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) or diesel, 2.1 million litres of Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO), and additional volumes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
The statement also addressed concerns about the blending process used in producing gasoline. NNPC Ltd. explained that the refinery incorporates a blending component from Indorama Petrochemicals (formerly Eleme Petrochemicals) to meet gasoline specifications, a standard practice in the global refining industry.
The company assured that all output meets the required standards, emphasizing that no single refinery unit can fully produce gasoline that adheres to all national standards without blending.
Furthermore, the statement highlighted the progress made on the new Port Harcourt Refinery, which is expected to begin operations soon, further strengthening Nigeria’s refining capacity.
NNPC Ltd. urged Nigerians to focus on the positive developments and the strides being made in the country’s energy sector, while dismissing malicious claims that undermine the government’s efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency.
The company reiterated its commitment to delivering results that benefit the nation and advance President Tinubu’s vision for a more robust energy infrastructure.
The statement concluded with a call for unity and continued support for Nigeria’s progress in the oil and gas sector.
…NUPENG applauds successful resumption, eyes further refinery revitalisation
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has expressed its wholehearted congratulations to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the successful resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery.
The union hailed the resumption of crude oil processing and the dispatch of refined petroleum products from the facility as a major milestone in the nation’s pursuit of energy independence and economic development.
In a statement issued by NUPENG President, William Akporehe, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the union described the re-streaming of the refinery as a transformative achievement for the country.
The union emphasised that the successful restart of the Port Harcourt Refinery marks a significant step toward reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined products and improving domestic production capacity.
NUPENG also acknowledged the invaluable support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose backing for the refinery rehabilitation project was described as pivotal to its successful completion.
Also, the union praised the collaborative efforts of the NNPCL Board of Directors, staff, and contractors, who played an essential role in the project’s success.
With the successful resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery, NUPENG is optimistic that this achievement will pave the way for the rehabilitation and revitalisation of other key refineries in Nigeria, particularly the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
Meanwhile, the union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts to ensure a vibrant and sustainable oil and gas sector in Nigeria.
The union expressed its dedication to working alongside NNPCL, the government, and other stakeholders to continue strengthening the nation’s refining infrastructure, with the goal of achieving long-term energy security and prosperity for all Nigerians.
“We congratulate Mr. Mele Kyari and his team on this remarkable achievement, and we remain committed to contributing to the continued success of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria,” NUPENG added.
