Renwed Hope: Nigerians Express Hope of Fuel Availability, Price Reduction, as PH Refinery resumes operation

Nationwide excitement has greeted the revival of operations at the Port Harcourt refinery with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, oil workers’ union, Pan-Niger Delta Forun (PANDEF), and many prominent Nigerians expressing hope of fuel availability, price reduction, and a healthy market competition at the midstream subsection of the Nigerian oil industry.

Recall that the Port Harcourt Refinery has finally commenced fuel production.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), which confirmed this through its spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, said the loading of trucks started Tuesday.

Many Nigerians who described the resumption of operations by the refinery after a long time as a milestone, hailed the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NN0C Ltd.), Mallam Mele Kyari, for fulfilling his promise to bring the asset back to life.

Extending his heartfelt congratulations to the NNPC Ltd on the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery, marked by the official commencement of petroleum product loading on November 26, 2024, President Tinubu in a statement, acknowledged the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all our refineries and expresses gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project.

Furthermore, President Tinubu commends the leadership of NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, whose unwavering dedication and commitment were instrumental in overcoming challenges to achieve this 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 President underscored his administration’s determination to repair the nation’s refineries, aiming to eradicate the disheartening perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer that lacks the ability to refine its own resources for domestic consumption.

In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda focused on shared economic prosperity for all, the President reaffirms his administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and boosting export capacity for Nigeria.

*NUPENG Hails Kyari*

Oil workers under the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) have congratulated the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari and the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the successful re-streaming of the Port Harcourt Refinery.

The union conveyed this in a statement signed by its President,William Akproheha,and General Secretary,Afolabi Olawale.

The statement quoted that the commencement of crude oil processing and the dispatch of petroleum products from the refinery is a landmark achievement that resonates with the aspirations of Nigerian workers and citizens.

This milestone demonstrates NNPCL’s unwavering commitment to achieving energy independence and fostering sustainable economic growth for our dear nation,the statement said on Tuesday.

The statement also said that Kyari’s exemplary commitment and resilience in steering the Port-Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC) rehabilitation project to completion,despite numerous challenges, reflect the highest standards of dedication and determination.

It added:”We are very pleased with the achievement of over 16 million manhours without a single Loss Time Injury (LTI), which is a testament to meticulous planning, professionalism, and the hard work of all involved; an accomplishment that brings pride to our union members.

“We commend the indispensable support of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the collaborative efforts of the NNPCL Board of Directors, Staff, and

“As the refinery resumes production and begins loading critical products such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Household Kerosene (HHK), we are reminded of the essential role this progress plays in addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges,alleviating hardship for workers and citizens, and fostering economic stability.

“While the successful re-streaming of the Port Harcourt Refinery stands as a beacon of hope, it also reinforces our collective optimism for the rehabilitation of the Warri and Kaduna refineries. We earnestly hope and pray that these projects will also come to fruition soon, providing the much-needed stimulus to our nation’s economy and further easing the energy burden faced by Nigerians. We remain confident that NNPCL will deliver on these expectations under your visionary leadership.

“Once again, congratulations to you and your team on this transformative achievement. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), remains a steadfast partner in the collective journey toward achieving a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable oil and gas sector that uplifts every Nigerian worker and citizen”.

*Pan Niger Delta Forum Reacts*

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has also hailed the commencement of refining of petroleum products by Port Harcourt refineries, saying that its resumption will create jobs for Nigerians and boost availability of products.

The Forum also called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the artisanal refineries in the region are licensed to commence production.

PANDEF spokesperson, Chief (Dr.) Obiuwevbi Ominimini, told this newspaper that the operation would be of economic benefit to all Nigerians.

He said, “It’ll boost availability of fuel in the country, thereby reducing scarcity and providing employment for Nigeria citizens.”

*NNPC Ltd Reaffirms Progress, Clarified Misconceptions*

The Board and Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) express heartfelt appreciation to Nigerians for their support and excitement over the safe and successful restart of the 60,000 barrels per day Old Port Harcourt Refinery.

A statement by Olufemi Soneye noted that this achievement marks a significant step forward after years of operational challenges and underperformance.

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%.

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 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.

Additionally, we have made substantial progress on the new Port Harcourt Refinery, which will begin operations soon without prior announcements.

We urge Nigerians to focus on the remarkable achievements being realized under the able and progressive leadership of President Bola Tinubu 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.

Let us move forward together in building a stronger and more self-sufficient energy sector.