The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has dismissed claims that the Port Harcourt Refinery halted operations after its recent reopening. According to Ibrahim Onoja, Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), the facility is actively processing crude oil and dispatching refined products daily.
During a facility tour in Eleme, Rivers State, journalists observed over ten trucks loading fuel. The refinery’s Terminal Manager, Molokwuu Joel, emphasised that the plant has the capacity to load more than 100 trucks in less than five hours.
Refuting Shutdown Allegations
The refinery’s management explained that false reports of a shutdown were unfounded. Onoja clarified that loading was never halted but only slowed temporarily to improve logistics. He stressed that operations have resumed at full capacity, with continuous loading of products.
Tony Ogbuigwe, President of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, also confirmed that the refinery is functioning, although not yet at full capacity. He assured that further upgrades are ongoing to optimise production and meet Nigeria’s fuel demands.
Community and Stakeholder Support
Host community representatives and security officials applauded the refinery’s management for ensuring seamless operations. They urged Nigerians to disregard negative reports aimed at discrediting the facility’s achievements.
The Executive Director of Operations at the Nigeria Pipelines and Storage Company, Moyi Maidunama, highlighted efforts to maximise output and improve efficiency. He reassured stakeholders that the refinery will play a crucial role in stabilising fuel supply across the country.
Next Steps
The refinery plans to ramp up production gradually, focusing on full activation of its catalytic reforming unit. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to meet a significant portion of Nigeria’s fuel needs, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing energy security.