PETROAN commends FG, NNPC for successful rehabilitation of dormant facility
PORT HARCOURT — The Port Harcourt Refining Company has achieved a major operational milestone with 180 days of continuous production since its November 2024 relaunch, according to the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN). The facility, which underwent extensive rehabilitation after two decades of dormancy, now supplies diesel and kerosene to local markets.
In a statement by Publicity Secretary Joseph Obele, PETROAN credited the project’s success to multiple stakeholders:
- Tecnimont Nigeria Limited for technical execution
- Host communities for maintaining peaceful operations
- NNPC leadership including GCEO Mele Kyari and PHRC MD Ibrahim Onoja
- Federal government for securing Afreximbank financing
“The refinery’s uninterrupted operation since October proves the rehabilitation’s effectiveness,” Obele stated, noting marketers now load authentic products directly from the facility, eliminating counterfeit diesel and kerosene circulation.
Key Impacts:
✅ Steady domestic supply of refined products
✅ Reduced dependency on fuel imports
✅ Curbing of adulterated products in market
✅ Creation of direct/indirect employment
PETROAN specifically acknowledged President Tinubu’s funding commitment and Petroleum Minister Heineken Lokpobiri’s oversight, while lauding NMDPRA’s regulatory framework ensuring safe operations. The $1.5bn rehabilitation, executed under NNPC’s 2021-2025 roadmap, positions Nigeria for potential fuel self-sufficiency.
