Revitalized: Port Harcourt Refinery Set to Begin Operations Before the New Year – Statement from Ministry of Oil
The administration, led by Bola Tinubu, has successfully delivered on its promise to overhaul and operationalize the Port Harcourt Refinery. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) has officially announced the mechanical completion and flare start-up of the country’s largest refinery.
Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, revealed in Port Harcourt that they have effectively met their commitment to bring Phase 1 of the refinery to fruition. This achievement aligns with President Tinubu’s vow to rehabilitate the Port Harcourt Refinery.
In continuation of the success of Phase 1, the minister also expressed the government’s and NNPCL’s dedication to delivering Phase 2 by 2024. He enthusiastically announced, “We are pleased to announce that, consistent with our pledge to commence Phase 1 of the Port Harcourt Refinery by the end of 2023, followed by the initiation of Phase 2 in 2024, we are thrilled to announce the mechanical completion and flare start-up of the refinery today on December 21. This marks the beginning of production and serves as another significant achievement of President Tinubu’s ‘renewed hope agenda.'”
Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, emphasized his team’s commitment to ensuring that the refinery not only adds value to the largest oil firm in Africa but also benefits the Nigerian populace. Kyari was quoted as saying, “We are dedicated to seeing through the completion of Phase 2 in 2024.”
This development is a major milestone for the Nigerian oil industry and holds great promise for the country’s energy sector. The revival of the Port Harcourt Refinery is poised to contribute to the reduction of petroleum product imports, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth.
It is indeed a positive step towards achieving energy sufficiency and self-reliance. As we look forward to the commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery, there is renewed hope for a more robust and sustainable oil and gas sector in Nigeria.
