The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, announced that the Port Harcourt refinery is slated to resume operations in April, marking a significant stride in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Kyari highlighted the completion of mechanical works at the facility, with over 450,000 barrels of crude already delivered from active lines, signaling a promising restart.
He also noted the imminent completion of repair works at the Kaduna and Warri refineries, with the Kaduna facility anticipated to commence operations by December.
The announcement comes amidst the Senate’s dismissal of alleged fraud reports surrounding the turnaround maintenance (TAM) of the nation’s refineries, reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing domestic refining capacity.
The $1.5 billion fund approved for the repair of the Port Harcourt refinery underscores Nigeria’s determination to bolster its energy infrastructure despite historical challenges.
With plans for a phased rehabilitation process, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, outlined ambitious timelines aimed at restoring refinery productivity to optimal levels.
Built in 1965, the Port Harcourt refinery stands as Nigeria’s oldest, symbolizing the nation’s rich oil heritage.
However, in recent years, operational setbacks have plagued the refinery and its counterparts in Warri and Kaduna, highlighting the urgent need for revitalization efforts.
