Following several delays, a new date has been announced for the commencement of operations at the newly renovated Port Harcourt refinery. Full operations are now expected to begin by the end of July.
Nigerians have expressed concern over the federal government’s failure to kick-start operations at the refinery.
They are disappointed that despite the government had initially assured them that operations would commence at the refinery in December 2023, this promise was not fulfilled.
Subsequently, another promise was made for April, which also failed to materialize.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, particularly informed the Senate on March 28 that the Port Harcourt refinery would begin delivering refined petroleum products in April.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chief Ukadike Chinedu, on Monday announced this new timeline for the commencement of operations at the newly renovated refinery.
The IPMAN said, “Yes when we visited the place, the MD told us that the refinery was almost ready and by the end of July, they would start producing. It has been turned into a new one they changed all the armoured cable to brand new and everything there is almost like a brand-new refinery.
“The turnaround on maintenance is very massive and the job is being done day and night. All hands are on deck to make sure that they meet that target. By ending of July the refinery should be ready.”
“They are not facing any challenges at all; I can say the refinery is 99 per cent ready.
“What we want is competition. I am very sure that with the two refineries, the price of petrol will be reduced. Dangote is coming soon and the Port Harcourt refinery is almost ready too and that is very good. We need that competition for the benefit of the nation.”
