Emmanuel OchayiThe presidency has confirmed that work is progressing steadily on the 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) plant of the Port Harcourt Refinery in Rivers State.
Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, shared this update after a fact-finding mission to the site on Wednesday.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe noted that the 60,000bpd refinery within the same complex is currently operating at 70% capacity, with plans in place to boost production soon.
Addressing misinformation about Port Harcourt Refinery
In a detailed post on Thursday titled “Putting to Rest Rumours about Port Harcourt Refinery Complex: Our Fact-Finding Mission,” Onanuga dismissed claims that the refinery lacks crude supplies or is non-operational.
He stated, “Nigerians must ignore naysayers and false information about the refinery’s operations. While it is not yet running at full capacity, it is currently functioning at 70% of its installed capacity. Additionally, crude oil supply to the refinery is regular and stable.”
The fact-finding team, led by the refinery’s Managing Director, Mr. Ibrahim Onoja, conducted an extensive tour of the complex, covering critical sections such as the computerised control room and the loading bay.
Onanuga added, “Our team asked pointed questions and received satisfactory answers. The doubts and misconceptions we had were thoroughly dispelled.”
Details of refinery operations and upgrades
The refinery processes various petroleum products, including kerosene, diesel, petrol, low-pour fuel oil, and liquefied petroleum gas. Onanuga noted that the petrol produced is blended with other products to meet market standards.
He explained, “The refinery’s recent overhaul has transformed it into a modern facility. We saw upgraded parts, including a section of the 300km pipeline network that had been replaced. Some equipment that had been in use for over 27 years has been replaced to bring the refinery up to contemporary standards.”
Onanuga praised the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for its efforts, saying, “This dead asset, once on the verge of becoming a museum piece, has been brought back to life.”
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Update on the 150,000bpd refinery work
The team also visited the adjacent 150,000bpd refinery, commissioned in 1989, where workers were seen dismantling outdated parts and installing modern replacements. While no timeline was given for the completion of work on the larger facility, Onanuga expressed confidence in its progress.
“Although officials declined to provide a specific timeline for completion, there was optimism that it will soon be operational, complementing its 60,000 barrels a day counterpart,” he said.
NNPCL reassures Nigerians on refinery output
In November, NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye confirmed that the 60,000bpd refinery had commenced operations at 60% capacity, with efforts ongoing to increase output.
He stated, “The refinery currently processes 60,000 barrels of crude daily, contributing to its combined capacity of 210,000 barrels per day. Efforts to ramp up production are in progress.”
Soneye also assured that the revamped facility produces essential petroleum products, serving as a vital component of Nigeria’s energy strategy.
A step forward in Nigeria’s refining capabilities
Onanuga concluded by commending NNPCL and the refinery team for their dedication, stating, “My curiosity has been satisfied. The fact-finding mission has buried doubts and lies about the Port Harcourt Refinery Complex. I commend the team for reviving this critical asset.”
The update underscores efforts to reduce reliance on imported petroleum products and restore Nigeria’s refining capacity, with the Port Harcourt Refinery taking a leading role.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
