The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has issued a direct ultimatum to the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari to expedite the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery or vacate the position.
In a strongly worded statement, Eastern Zonal Secretary of IPMAN, Comrade Emmanuel Inimgba, expressed deep concern over the stalled $1.5 billion rehabilitation programme. Originally scheduled for a 30-day maintenance shutdown beginning May 24, 2025, the refinery has now remained idle for over 80 days without visible progress or operational commitment.
Economic and Sectoral Implications
Industry analysts note that the Port Harcourt Refinery, with its two-plant configuration (Area 1 and Area 5), represents a critical asset in Nigeria’s midstream infrastructure. Prolonged downtime has triggered severe economic consequences:
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Fuel haulage activities have slowed, impacting tanker drivers, NUPENG members, PETROAN operators, and other downstream service providers.
- Job Losses: IPMAN estimates thousands of direct and indirect jobs have been lost, particularly within host communities reliant on refinery-linked economic activity.
- Increased Import Dependence: The continued shutdown exacerbates Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products, with knock-on effects on forex demand and pump prices.
Inimgba stressed that rehabilitation is not merely a technical exercise but a strategic imperative for national energy security, government revenue growth, and industrial productivity.
Contractors Withdraw, Funding in Question
According to IPMAN, credible sources indicate that contractors have demobilised from the site due to inadequate funding. Compounding the concern is the fact that Ojulari has reportedly not visited the facility in the four months since assuming the GCEO role.
These developments, industry observers warn, raise questions about project governance, contractor management, and adherence to established refinery turnaround maintenance (TAM) schedules.
PETROAN Joins the Criticism
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) also criticised the GCEO, Ojulari’s stewardship, citing a “slow pace of activity” at the Old Port Harcourt Refinery (Area 5). PETROAN’s Eastern Zone Chairman, Sunny Nkpe, who conducted an on-site visit, reported minimal activity and reiterated that Ojulari has yet to personally inspect the rehabilitation works.
Conflicting Corporate Messaging
Ojulari reaffirmed in a recent NNPCL town hall meeting that NNPCL will not sell the Port Harcourt Refining Company, framing the decision as part of an ongoing technical and financial review of the Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri refineries.
This contrasts with earlier internal suggestions that non-performing refineries could be divested to private operators. Ojulari further stated that prior plans to restart the refinery before full completion of rehabilitation were “ill-informed and sub-commercial,” signalling a reset in strategy that may extend the plant’s downtime.
Industry Outlook
Energy sector experts argue that restoring the Port Harcourt Refinery to optimal capacity is central to Nigeria’s downstream market stability. Failure to do so could deepen the country’s import dependency, weaken NNPCL’s credibility, and delay any meaningful deregulation benefits in the petroleum sector.
With mounting pressure from both IPMAN and PETROAN, industry insiders suggest that the coming weeks will be decisive for Ojulari’s leadership and for the future of one of Nigeria’s most strategic refining assets.