The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State has officially commenced the processing of crude oil, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to achieve energy independence.
This development was announced by Femi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), who described the move as a transformative achievement for the country.
“Today marks a monumental achievement for Nigeria as the Port Harcourt Refinery officially begins crude oil processing. This milestone signifies a new era of energy independence and economic growth for our nation,” Soneye stated on Tuesday.
He extended congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NNPC Board, and the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Mele Kyari for their dedication to the project.
Soneye added that truck loading operations would also commence on Tuesday, while efforts are ongoing to bring the Warri Refinery back online in the near future.
The refinery’s commencement of operations follows multiple missed deadlines for its rehabilitation.
In August 2023, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, assured that the facility would be operational by December of that year. Later, in March, Mele Kyari stated that production would begin in April.
Despite the setbacks, Kyari emphasized NNPCL’s commitment to revamping the nation’s refining capacity. During an inspection visit to the refinery in August, he stated, “We are focused on delivering this rehabilitation project, along with our two other refineries and other investments. By 2024, we are hopeful that Nigeria will become a net exporter of petroleum products.”
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