Port-Harcourt Refinery Set to Resume Operations Within Two Weeks – Mele Kyari

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has provided assurances that the long-awaited revival of the Port-Harcourt refinery is imminent, with operations slated to commence within the next two weeks.

Kyari made these remarks during a crucial interaction with the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Investigation of Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) in the nation’s refineries, highlighting the commitment of the NNPC to the timely rehabilitation of the country’s refining infrastructure.

Kyari emphasised the sacredness of the delivery dates for the Port Harcourt refinery and other facilities under refurbishment, assuring Nigerians that the NNPC remains steadfast in its promise to revitalise the nation’s refining capacity.

He highlighted the progress achieved, stating, “We will make sure that promises that we made about the rehabilitation of these refineries are kept. We did a mechanical completion of PHRC in December. Now, we have crude oil already stocked in it. It is currently undergoing regulatory compliance test before we restream it. I assure you that this refinery will start in the next two weeks.”

The NNPC CEO further outlined the status of other refineries, stating, “For Warri, we have also done mechanical work on it. It is undergoing regulatory compliance processes that we are doing with our regulators. Kaduna will be ready by December this year, but we have not reached that stage. We believe that it will also be ready on schedule.”

Providing specific figures to illustrate progress, Kyari disclosed that the Port Harcourt Refinery has already received 450,000 barrels of crude for processing following the mechanical completion of the plant in December last year, signaling a tangible step towards its operational revival.

Kyari emphasised the importance of collective efforts in the rehabilitation process, urging cooperation from all stakeholders. He emphasised, “We are all serving this country dutifully and loyally. Nigerians must understand that gradually, we shall get this task done.”

In a bid to ensure transparency and firsthand assessment of progress, the Senate Ad-hoc Committee is set to embark on visits to the three refineries in Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt soon for on-the-spot evaluations of the work progress.

The impending resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt refinery holds significant promise for Nigeria’s energy security and economic stability, marking a crucial step towards reducing reliance on imported petroleum products and revitalising the domestic refining industry.