The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State has officially begun processing crude oil, marking a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s energy sector.
This is according to the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Femi Soneye, who described the development as a “monumental achievement” for the nation.
“Today marks a new era of energy independence and economic growth as the Port Harcourt Refinery officially commences crude oil processing,” Soneye said on Tuesday.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NNPC Board, and Group CEO Mele Kyari for their steadfast dedication to the refinery’s rehabilitation, adding, “Together, we are reshaping Nigeria’s energy future.”
Soneye also revealed that truck-loading operations at the refinery commenced the same day, with efforts underway to bring the Warri Refinery back online soon.
The resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery follows multiple missed deadlines for its rehabilitation.
Earlier projections had set December 2023 as the restart date, while subsequent targets placed the timeline in April 2024.
During an inspection visit in August, NNPCL Group CEO Mele Kyari reaffirmed the commitment to restoring Nigeria’s refining capacity.
“We are not here to give excuses but to deliver on this rehabilitation project, our two other refineries, and all investments aimed at revamping the nation’s refining capacity,” he said.
Kyari expressed optimism that by 2024, Nigeria could become a net exporter of petroleum products, reducing reliance on imports and addressing the country’s persistent fuel supply challenges.
This milestone signals a renewed drive to achieve self-sufficiency in petroleum product refining and underscores NNPCL’s strategic focus on transforming the nation’s energy landscape.
