Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The resumption of production at the Port Harcourt Refinery has been hailed by President Bola Tinubu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, as a major milestone for Nigeria’s energy sector and economic revival.
Recall that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC Ltd. yesterday announced re-streaming of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, PHRC, signaling the commencement of crude oil processing from the plant and delivery of petroleum products into the market.
The NNPC Ltd also announced that trucks have began loading petroleum products which include Premium Motor Spirit, PMS Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, or diesel and Household Kerosene, HHK or Kerosene at the Port Harcourt refinery
Reacting, President Tinubu congratulated the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, on the successful restart of the refinery’s operations, marking the first production and loading of petroleum products in more than a decade.
The President also acknowledged the significant contributions of former President Muhammadu Buhari for initiating the rehabilitation process and thanked the African Export-Import Bank for its financial backing, while also lauding the leadership of NNPCL Group CEO, Mele Kyari, for dedication and strategic leadership.
“The successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery is a testament to our administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency and enhancing Nigeria’s energy security,” President Tinubu said.
He also urged NNPCL to expedite the reactivation of other refineries, including the second Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, to further boost domestic refining capacity and contribute to Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, also praised the landmark achievement, emphasizing the importance of in-country refining in reducing Nigeria’s dependency on imported petroleum products.
“The re-streaming of the Port Harcourt Refinery is a key milestone in our strategy to transform the oil sector into a driver of economic growth. This development is part of our larger efforts to ensure self-sufficiency in refining operations and stabilize our energy sector for both the short and long term.”
Also, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, has commended the successful commencement of production and loading operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery, calling it a major boost to Nigeria’s economy and a catalyst for job creation.
In a letter of commendation addressed to Alhaji Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele praised Kyari’s leadership and the commitment of his team in reviving the refinery.
PETROAN expressed optimism that the reopening of the refinery would stimulate job creation, boost the economy, and foster competition in the downstream sector.
“The smile on people’s faces was a clear indication of joy arising from the commencement of loading after many years dormant state. PETROAN expresses optimism that the commencement of production at Port Harcourt refinery will usher in job opportunities, boost the economy and trigger competition at the downstream sector which will invariably reflect significantly to a price downward review,” the letter stated.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to working with NNPCL Retail and other stakeholders to ensure effective distribution of petroleum products across the country.
“PETROAN reaffirms her commitment to synerging with the management of NNPC Retail management and other stakeholders in ensuring that products lifted at the Port Harcourt refinery depot are well distributed to all the nooks and crannies of the nation at the right time with the right price,” it said.
PETROAN also expressed appreciation to the host communities for their peaceful cooperation during the refinery’s rehabilitation and urged the management of RCC handling the East-West Road to complete the Eleme section swiftly.
“We call on the management of RCC handling the East West road to ensure speedy completion of the Eleme East West road in view of making the road smooth for the movement of truck carrying Petroleum Products due to the hazardous and flammable nature of Petroleum products,” the association urged.
