By Francis Ajuonuma and Cross Udo
In a ground-breaking development that promises to alleviate the fuel hike hardship faced by Nigerians, the Port Harcourt Refinery has commenced production.
The monumental achievement marks a new era of energy independence and economic growth for Nigeria.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) resumed production at the Port Harcourt Refinery and Petrochemical Company yesterday after successfully rehabilitating the 210,000-barrel-per-day refining complex.
President Bola Tinubu has already joined other Nigerians to congratulate the NNPCL on the successful revitalisation of the Port Harcourt refinery.
A statement by NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Femi Soneye, yesterday described the milestone as the fulfilment of NNPCL’s pledge of re-streaming the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), signalling the commencement of crude oil processing from the plant and delivery of petroleum products into the market.
Specifically, the refinery began loading petroleum products, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) or diesel, and Household Kerosene (HHK) or Kerosene, while other product slates were set to be dispatched as well.
Speaking during a brief ceremony to mark the commencement of product loading at the refinery in Port Harcourt, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mr Mele Kyari, described the commencement of the load-out activities as a monumental achievement for Nigeria, signifying a new era of energy independence and economic growth for the country.
“Today marks a monumental achievement for Nigeria as the Port Harcourt Refinery officially commences crude oil processing. This ground-breaking milestone signifies a new era of energy independence and economic growth for our nation,” he said.
The GCEO particularly thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and understanding of the rehabilitation project and for his persistence in ensuring the country’s energy security.
Kyari also expressed deep appreciation to the NNPC Ltd Board of Directors and the entire staff for their support and commitment, which crystallised into streaming the refinery.
“Hearty congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NNPC Board, and the exceptional leadership of the GCEO, Mele Kyari, for their unwavering commitment to this transformative project. Together, we are reshaping Nigeria’s energy future,” he added.
The GCEO further commended the contractors for doing a great job in ensuring that the refinery was delivered despite all challenges, adding that Nigerians also deserved accolades for their patience and the legitimate expectations of the company to deliver on the other refineries.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr Farouk Ahmed, congratulated NNPC Ltd. on the milestone and assured that his agency would continue to support the rehabilitation work at the other refineries.
“The PHRC rehabilitation project is an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation & Commissioning (EPCIC) project aimed at restoring the refinery to full functionality and renewal. It has achieved over 16 million man-hours with zero Loss Time Injury (LTI),” said Soneye, who shared a video showing the refinery operating at total capacity with on-site workers earlier in the day.
The resumption of refining operations marked the end of a long wait for Nigerians and fulfilled NNPCL’s promise to deliver a fully rehabilitated refinery capable of working at maximum capacity.
He described the refinery’s rehabilitation completion as a new chapter for Nigeria’s energy security and economic growth, noting that it would significantly enhance fuel supply stability and foster competition in the downstream sector.
NNPCL had informed the public that mechanical work at the refinery had been completed, raising expectations that production would soon begin.
In March of this year, the GCEO announced that the refinery had received 450,000 barrels of crude oil and was prepared to start operations.
However, the start of production was delayed due to the need for test runs and regulatory approvals from international bodies, among other factors.
The refinery consists of two units: the old plant, with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day (BPD), and the newly rehabilitated plant, which has a capacity of 150,000 BPD.
The refinery was shut down in March 2019 for the first phase of repairs after the Nigerian government contracted Italy’s Maire Tecnimont to review the complex. Oil major Eni served as the technical adviser.
Soneye expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their steadfast support throughout the refinery’s rehabilitation, affirming that under the leadership of the GCEO, the oil company remains fully committed to ensuring the nation’s energy security as its top priority.
*Tinubu orders NNPCL on reactivation of Warri, Kaduna refineries
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has directed the management of NNPCL to expedite action towards the scheduled reactivation of the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
Tinubu acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari’s pivotal role in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all our refineries and expressed gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project.
A statement issued by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, further added that Tinubu commended the leadership of NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, “whose unwavering dedication and commitment were instrumental in overcoming challenges to achieve this milestone.”
The statement said, “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.
“These efforts will significantly enhance domestic production capacity alongside the contributions of privately-owned refineries and make our country a major energy hub, with the gas sector also enjoying unprecedented attention by the administration.
“The President underscores his administration’s determination to repair the nation’s refineries, aiming to eradicate the disheartening perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer that cannot refine its resources for domestic consumption.”
Highlighting the values of patience, integrity, and accountability in rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure, President Tinubu called upon individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service.
“In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda focused on shared economic prosperity for all, the President reaffirms his administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and boosting export capacity for Nigeria,” it added.
