The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. has fulfilled its promise of restoring the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) to operation, signaling the resumption of crude oil processing and the delivery of petroleum products into the Nigerian market.
According to a press release issued by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., trucks began loading petroleum products from the refinery on Tuesday, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Household Kerosene (HHK), with additional products to follow.
Speaking at the ceremony marking the commencement of product loading at the refinery, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd., Mele Kyari, described the event as a monumental achievement for Nigeria. He noted that the resumption of refinery activities symbolizes a new era of energy independence and economic growth for the country.
Kyari extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and commitment to the PHRC rehabilitation project. He also thanked the NNPC Ltd. Board of Directors, the company’s staff, and the contractors for their efforts in overcoming challenges to ensure the delivery of the refinery.
“I deeply appreciate Nigerians for their patience and their legitimate expectations. We are committed to delivering on the rehabilitation of other refineries,” Kyari said.
The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, commended NNPC Ltd. for the milestone and assured the agency’s continued support for the ongoing rehabilitation of other refineries.
The PHRC rehabilitation project, described as an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation, and Commissioning (EPCIC) initiative, aims to restore the refinery to full functionality. It has achieved over 16 million manhours of work without a single recorded Loss Time Injury (LTI).
This marks a significant step in Nigeria’s quest to strengthen its refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
Olufemi Soneye concluded the release, emphasizing the dedication and resilience of all stakeholders involved in achieving this milestone.
