The Port Harcourt Refinery, a key oil refinery owned by the Nigerian government, has officially started processing crude oil.
This announcement came from Femi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), on Tuesday.
Refinery Kicks Off at 60 Percent Capacity
Soneye confirmed that the refinery has begun operations with an initial capacity utilization of 60 percent.
“This is a historic moment for Nigeria as the Refinery starts crude oil processing,” Soneye stated. “This achievement signals a new chapter in our nation’s energy independence and economic progress.”
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NNPC Board, and the leadership of GCEO Mele Kyari for their dedication to making this project a reality. “Together, we are redefining Nigeria’s energy future,” he added.
Truck Loading to Begin
In addition to processing crude, truck loading activities at the refinery are also set to begin immediately. Soneye noted that the NNPCL is making substantial efforts to restore operations at the Warri Refinery soon.
Background on the Port Harcourt Refinery Rehabilitation
The Refinery is located in Rivers State and is one of the most important refineries in Nigeria. It has undergone significant rehabilitation over the past few years.
In December 2023, the Federal Government announced the mechanical completion of the refinery’s rehabilitation project, marking a major step toward restarting operations. The flare start-off process was also initiated at that time.
The recommencement of production at the Port Harcourt Refinery represents a major milestone for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. It is expected to contribute significantly to reducing the nation’s dependency on imported refined petroleum products.
The refinery’s restoration aligns with the government’s broader goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency and boosting the local economy.
Warri Refinery Next on the List
As efforts to bring the Port Harcourt Refinery back online bear fruit, attention is shifting to other refineries. The NNPCL has assured Nigerians that the Warri Refinery will soon follow suit. This move is expected to further enhance the country’s refining capacity.
Conclusion
The commencement of crude oil processing at the Port Harcourt Refinery signals a positive shift for Nigeria’s energy sector. With continued efforts to rehabilitate other refineries, the country is poised to achieve greater energy security and economic growth.
For updates on the Port Harcourt Refinery and other projects by the NNPCL, stay tuned.
