After more than two decades of inactivity, the Port Harcourt refinery has successfully operated without interruption for 180 days.
This achievement marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s push to revive its domestic refining capacity and reduce its reliance on imported petroleum products.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has commended the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) for ensuring the refinery’s continued production.
Officials have highlighted that its steady operation will help stabilize the fuel supply and reduce shortages nationwide.
Nigeria has been making significant efforts to restore its refining sector as part of a broader initiative to strengthen energy security.
Over the years, the government has invested in revamping key refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, which had been dormant for extended periods.
The push to rehabilitate these refineries began during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who prioritized the restoration of the country’s four state-owned refineries.
These facilities collectively have a refining capacity of 445,000 barrels per day, including the Kaduna refinery with 110,000 barrels per day, the Old Port Harcourt refinery with 60,000 barrels per day, the New Port Harcourt refinery handling 150,000 barrels per day, and the Warri refinery.
Signs of progress are emerging, with the Port Harcourt refinery already in operation and the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company resuming activities on December 30, 2024, after nearly a decade of closure.
The revival of these facilities is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s refining capabilities and reduce its dependence on fuel imports.
However, sustaining these operations comes with challenges. Industry experts warn that crude oil supply constraints, infrastructure gaps, and security concerns, such as pipeline vandalism and oil theft, could threaten steady refinery operations.
Addressing these issues will be crucial for maintaining full production capacity.
Despite these hurdles, the government remains committed to the refinery rehabilitation program, recognizing its importance in curbing high fuel costs and moving Nigeria closer to self-sufficiency in petroleum production.
