For the sixth time, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has postponed the much-anticipated launch of the Port Harcourt refinery, raising further concerns about the country’s energy infrastructure and the reliability of its refining capabilities.
Initially slated to commence operations in 2021, the refinery’s kick-off has faced multiple delays, with each postponement attributed to various technical, financial, and logistical challenges.
This latest delay adds to the growing frustration among industry stakeholders and the general public, who are eager to see the refinery begin operations and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
NNPC has not provided a specific new date for the refinery’s launch, but sources within the organisation suggest that ongoing repairs and upgrades are taking longer than expected.
Mele Kyari, the Group CEO, announced definitively in July that the refinery would be operational by early August.
Kyari had earlier stated in 2019 that the NNPC would complete all four refineries before the conclusion of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.
While speaking before the Senate in July, Kyari claimed, “I can confirm to you, Mr Chairman, that by the end of the year, this country will be a net exporter of petroleum products.
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“I can confirm to you, Mr Chairman, that by the end of the year, this country will be a net exporter of petroleum products.
“Specific to NNPC refineries, we have spoken to a number of your committees, and it is impossible to have the Kaduna refinery come into operation before December, it will get to December, both Warri and Kaduna, but that of Port Harcourt will commence production early August this year.”
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However, as August nears midpoint, the refinery has yet to commence operations, creating concerns that this might be another failed promise from NNPC.
Replying to inquiries from our correspondent on Tuesday, the NNPC said it was on course, even when the early August promise has expired.
In a chat with our correspondent, the NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, tersely replied, “We are on course.”
However, as August approaches its halfway point, the refinery has yet to begin operations, raising suspicions that this is yet another broken promise from NNPC.
The PUNCH reported that the NNPC stated that it was still on track, despite the fact that the commitment made in early August had expired.
According to the report, Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the state-owned oil company said tersely, “We are on course.”
“Soneye did not respond to any inquiries about whether the refinery will continue to function this month.”
The NNPC had earlier said that following the Christmas break last year, the facility will begin refining 60,000 barrels of crude oil each day. Kyari stated later in January that the refinery was undergoing testing and will be operational by the end of the month.
The Port Harcourt refinery, once operational, is expected to have a capacity of refining 210,000 barrels of crude oil per day, significantly boosting domestic fuel production and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
However, with repeated delays, questions about the refinery’s viability and the NNPC’s ability to manage such large-scale projects are becoming increasingly pronounced.
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