PH Refinery: Steer Clear of Malicious Claims, Focus on Progress Made, NNPCL Admonish Nigerians

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has admonished Nigerians to steer clear of malicious claims with regards to the Port Harcourt refinery but rather celebrate and focus on the progress made. This followed the claims by some media reports that the refinery was not producing refined products as claimed.

Olufemi Soneye, NNPCL spokesman, stated that the refinery in Port Harcourt would shortly start up.
“We urge Nigerians to focus on the remarkable achievements being realised under the able and progressive leadership of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, and to support efforts aimed at delivering more dividends to the nation.
“Malicious attacks on clear progress only undermine the significant strides made by NNPC Ltd. and the country,” a statement by the company’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, read hours after announcing the commencement of production operations on Tuesday.

Soneye claims that the refinery in Port Harcourt is running at 70% of its installed capacity.
“We are, however, aware of unfounded claims by certain individuals suggesting that the refinery is not producing products. For clarity, the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is currently operating at 70% of its installed capacity, with plans to ramp up to 90%. The refinery is producing the following daily outputs.

“It is worth noting that the refinery incorporates crack C5, a blending component
from our sister company, Indorama Petrochemicals (formerly Eleme Petrochemicals), to produce gasoline that meets the required specifications. Blending is a standard practice in refineries globally, as no single unit can produce gasoline that fully complies with any country’s standards without such processes,” he said.
The refinery’s daily outputs are Straight-Run Gasoline (Naphtha) blended into 1.4 million litres of premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol), Kerosene: 900,000 litres.

Other petroleum fractions include Automotive Gas Oil (AGO or Diesel): 1.5 million litres, Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO): 2.1 million litres, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Additional volumes.
He also revealed that the Port Harcourt refinery would commence operations soon, stating that NNPCL have made substantial progress on the new Port Harcourt.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery, marked by the official commencement of petroleum product loading on Tuesday.
He called on individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), the president recognised the crucial role that previous President Muhammadu Buhari played in starting the extensive restoration of all of the nation’s refineries.
Additionally, he conveyed his appreciation to the African Export-Import Bank for its trust in funding this important project.

President Tinubu also praises the leadership of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, whose steadfast passion and dedication, he said, were crucial in overcoming obstacles to reach the milestone.
With the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, President Tinubu urged NNPC Limited to expedite the scheduled reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.

“These efforts will significantly enhance domestic production capacity alongside the contributions of privately owned refineries and make our country a major energy hub, with the gas sector also enjoying unprecedented attention by the administration,” the statement added.

In order to dispel the depressing notion that Nigeria is a significant producer of crude oil that is unable to refine its resources for domestic use, the president emphasised his administration’s resolve to fix the country’s refineries.
President Tinubu urged people, organisations, and citizens charged with duties to stay focused and maintain faith in their contribution to the country while emphasising the importance of patience, honesty, and accountability in the reconstruction of the country’s infrastructure.

The president reiterated his administration’s commitment to attaining energy sufficiency, improving energy security, and increasing Nigeria’s export potential in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on shared economic success for all.