The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has clarified that the Port Harcourt Refinery is fully operational, despite recent claims to the contrary. In a statement issued on Thursday, PETROAN addressed misinformation suggesting that the refinery was non-functional, emphasizing that the facility is actively producing petroleum products.
Dr. Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the Port Harcourt refinery is running at 70% of its capacity, with plans to increase output to 90%. He referenced a recent visit to the refinery by journalists and stakeholders, led by Engr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which demonstrated the plant’s operational status.
“On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, the NNPCL led a tour of the refinery, showing stakeholders and media personnel firsthand the plant’s functionality,” said Obele. He further dismissed claims that the refinery was merely a blending plant and not producing refined products, stating that the old Port Harcourt refinery, with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, is indeed operational. In contrast, the new Port Harcourt refinery, with a capacity of 200,000 barrels per day, remains under rehabilitation but is expected to commence production soon.
PETROAN also encouraged anyone doubting the refinery’s operational status to contact NNPC for a tour rather than spreading misleading information. Obele pointed out that PETROAN, as a key stakeholder, has direct access to the facility and has been consistently updated on its operations.
Additionally, the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources, led by Senator S.A. Kawu Sumaila, visited the refinery on November 28, 2024, to assess its functionality. During the visit, the committee confirmed that the refinery was operational, with petroleum trucks actively loading at the depot.
PETROAN took the opportunity to praise the efforts of NNPCL management, particularly Engr. Kyari, for revitalizing a refinery that had been dormant for over 21 years. The association commended the NNPCL for its successful revival of the old refinery, which had long been in a state of disrepair, calling it an exemplary achievement in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
“We acknowledge the tremendous work of NNPCL under Engr. Kyari’s leadership, and we are optimistic about the future of Nigeria’s refineries,” PETROAN stated. The association also reiterated its support for the proposed privatization of Nigeria’s refineries, provided the process is transparent and handled by a competent private firm.
Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode also praised the refinery’s revival, stating that it marked a significant milestone for Nigeria. He criticized certain private sector players for attempting to undermine the success, stressing that the goal should be to support both private and public refineries. Fani-Kayode acknowledged the leadership of NNPCL and President Tinubu for this achievement, describing it as a major victory for the nation.
PETROAN also raised concerns about the poor condition of the Eleme East-West Road, which poses a risk to the safety of petroleum transport. The association urged the Federal Ministry of Works to expedite repairs to ensure the safe passage of fuel trucks from the refinery.
