The Host Community Bulk Petroleum Retailers Association (HOSCOM) has expressed strong disappointment over the recent visit of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bayo Ojulari, to Rivers State without a stop at the Port Harcourt Refinery.
Host Communities Express Displeasure
HOSCOM, representing Eleme and Okrika host communities, criticized Ojulari’s decision to tour the Bonny LNG facility while bypassing the Port Harcourt Refinery. The association described the omission as a “slap in the face” to workers, contractors, and management who are striving to restore the refinery’s output.
Refinery Seen as Strategic Asset
According to HOSCOM, the Port Harcourt Refinery remains a vital component of Nigeria’s refining capacity and plays a crucial role in national energy security. Furthermore, the group argued that the refinery’s ongoing rehabilitation deserves top-level attention, especially from the NNPCL chief executive.
In addition, HOSCOM noted that a courtesy visit would have boosted morale, validated the efforts of contractors, and underscored management’s commitment to revamping the plant.
Concerns Over Management Priorities
The association also warned that Ojulari’s decision raises serious questions about NNPCL’s priorities. By ignoring the Port Harcourt Refinery, HOSCOM argued, the leadership risks undermining a facility central to Nigeria’s refining and fuel supply ambitions.
Moreover, industry analysts maintain that management visibility remains critical in large-scale rehabilitation projects, since stakeholder confidence can strongly influence delivery timelines and contractor performance.
Call for Engagement
Consequently, HOSCOM urged Engr. Ojulari to revisit his itinerary and pay a direct visit to the Port Harcourt Refinery. The group emphasized that such engagement would provide first-hand insights into operational challenges. More importantly, it would demonstrate genuine commitment to restoring the refinery to optimal production and reassure stakeholders that the project remains a national priority.