Tinubu hails NNPCL as Port Harcourt Refinery begins operation

The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the commencement of crude oil processing and delivery of petroleum products from the Port Harcourt refinery on Tuesday November 26, 2024.

On Tuesday, trucks began loading petroleum products which include Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) or diesel and Household Kerosene (HHK) Kerosene, while other product slates will be dispatched as well.

Tinubu, in a statement released by the Presidency, congratulated the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the revitalization success of the refinery, while called for the reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery, the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
The President acknowledged the pivotal role of the former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all refineries and expressed gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project.

Furthermore, Tinubu commended 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, which 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”, he added.
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.
 
Highlighting the values of patience, integrity, and accountability in the rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure, Tinubu called upon individuals, institutions, citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation.
 
In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda focused on shared economic prosperity for all, the President reaffirmed administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and boosting export capacity for Nigeria.

Earlier in a statement, the NNPCL Group CEO, Kyari described the commencement of the loadout activities as a monumental achievement for Nigeria which signifies a new era of energy independence and economic growth for the country.
Speaking during a brief ceremony to mark the commencement of products loading, the GCEO particularly thanked the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support and understanding towards the rehabilitation project and for his persistence to ensure energy security for the country.

Kyari also expressed deep appreciation to the NNPC Ltd. Board and the entire staff for their support commitment, which crystallized into the streaming of the refinery. He also commended the contractors for doing a great job in ensuring that the refinery is delivered despite all challenges.

The GCEO further thanked Nigerians for their patience and for the legitimate expectations on the Company to deliver on the other refineries.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed congratulated the NNPC Ltd. for the milestone and assured of his agency’s continued support towards the completion of rehabilitation work at the other refineries.

The PHRC rehabilitation project, is an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation & Commissioning (EPCIC) project that is aimed at restoring the refinery to full functionality and renewal. It has achieved over 16 million manhours with zero Loss Time Injury (LTI).