The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has inspected its Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries to assess ongoing rehabilitation work. This inspection follows the recent removal of managing directors overseeing the country’s three state-owned refineries.
NNPCL Moves Quickly to Regain Momentum
On Sunday, Mr Mumuni Dagazau, NNPCL’s Executive Vice President, Downstream, and Mr Udy Ntia, Executive Vice President, Upstream, led the tour of both facilities. NNPCL confirmed the visits through official social media channels.
Their inspection came days after NNPCL replaced the heads of the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries due to poor performance.
Kaduna Refinery: Quick Fix Project Underway
At the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), executives evaluated progress on the Quick Fix project, which targets short-term unit restoration ahead of full-scale overhaul.
Dagazau praised workers for supporting the project and noted that NNPCL would rely on their continued commitment to achieve local fuel supply goals. The Kaduna refinery, with a 110,000 bpd capacity, has not processed crude in over a decade.
Port Harcourt Refinery: Output Still Lagging
Next, the NNPCL team visited the Port Harcourt Refining Company, which NNPCL began revamping in 2021 under a $1.5 billion plan. While NNPCL previously claimed 70% operational capacity, new regulatory reports show the plant performs below 40%.
During the visit, executives reiterated the company’s expectation to boost production and restore public confidence. However, former managing directors of all three refineries were absent, reinforcing speculation that NNPCL formally dismissed them.
Leadership Shake-Up Signals Reform Push
So far, NNPCL has declined to comment on the leadership changes. However, refinery output data and operational lapses pressured the company to act. Recently, the Warri Refinery shut down weeks after restarting, citing safety issues in its crude distillation unit.
By replacing top management, NNPCL aims to reset performance benchmarks and accelerate its refinery recovery programme.
Public Demands Results Amid Import Reliance
Despite ongoing upgrades, none of the state-owned refineries currently deliver sufficient Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to reduce import dependence. With Dangote Refinery scaling up deliveries and depot owners seeking reliable supply, NNPCL faces mounting pressure to deliver results.
Moreover, the government must strengthen transparency, ensure sustained oversight, and eliminate the perception of wasted investment in public refining.
NNPCL Faces Critical Test
By conducting this inspection, NNPCL signalled its intent to hold refineries accountable and restore capacity. The company must now convert visits and statements into real output to reduce Nigeria’s fuel import bill and regain public trust.