The Port Harcourt Refinery, one of Nigeria’s oldest oil facilities, has resumed fuel production, promising a daily output of around 200 trucks. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited announced that the refinery has been revamped with modern equipment.
Following its inability to come on stream in early 2023 and remaining dormant for a year despite reports of mechanical revival, the NNPC commenced loading petroleum products at the Port Harcourt Refinery yesterday, as the facility’s old assets, with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day (bpd), resumed operation.
During a brief ceremony to mark the beginning of product loading at the refinery, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Mele Kyari, hailed the launch of the load-out activities as a historic milestone for Nigeria, marking the start of a new era of energy independence and economic growth for the nation.
Stakeholders, including marketers and regulators, observed trucks being loaded at the refinery gantry. It was announced that approximately 200 trucks of petrol would be distributed to the Nigerian market daily. NNPC officials also led a tour of the facility, providing stakeholders with the opportunity to sample petrol, diesel, and kerosene.
The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, expressed satisfaction with the development. He highlighted that with both the Dangote and Port Harcourt refineries operational, fuel availability across the country would improve.
Ahmed also noted that the rehabilitation of the Warri and Kaduna refineries would transform Nigeria from a net importer to a net exporter of petroleum products. He emphasized that the refinery’s operation would foster competition and provide consumers with more choices in the downstream sector.
President Tinubu celebrated the successful revitalization of the refinery, marking a key step toward the nation’s energy self-sufficiency. He also acknowledged the efforts of former President Muhammadu Buhari, whose administration launched the comprehensive refurbishment of the refinery. Furthermore, Tinubu highlighted the crucial role of loans from the African Export-Import Bank in financing the project, emphasizing that the facility would greatly boost domestic refining capacity. Alongside the contributions of privately-owned refineries, the revitalized facility will help position the country as a major energy hub.
