Port Harcourt Refinery Commences Operations
The Federal Government has officially confirmed the commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt Refining and Petrochemical Company in Rivers State on Thursday.
The facility, after completing its first phase of work, is set to begin producing refined petroleum products post-Christmas break.
As promised earlier in the year, the government reiterated its commitment to starting operations at the Port Harcourt refinery before the end of 2023.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who led the Refinery Steering Committee, expressed congratulations to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and all Nigerians for this achievement.
Nigeria’s dormant refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri, which have undergone extensive revamping at the cost of several billions of naira, have now seen the commencement of operations.
Senator Lokpobiri, during an inspection of the facility, stated, “Today coincides with the commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt refinery.”
He further announced the mechanical completion of flare start-up on December 20, 2023, marking the beginning of petroleum product production after the Christmas break.
Expressing gratitude for the patience and trust of Nigerians in the NNPC’s commitment to refinery rehabilitation, Lokpobiri emphasized the fulfillment of the promise to complete phase one by the end of 2023 and the subsequent phase two streaming in 2024.
Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, acknowledged the dedication of employees, who worked tirelessly for over 9.6 million man-hours to restore the refinery to operation.
