Labour and oil industry unions have confirmed the smooth operation of the old Port Harcourt Refinery following a fact-finding visit aimed at addressing doubts about its functionality.
The 60,000-barrel-per-day refinery, Nigeria’s first, resumed operations on November 26, 2024, after over three decades of inactivity.
This milestone was achieved following a $1.5 billion rehabilitation project approved in 2021 under the leadership of NNPC Ltd.’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.
The mechanical phase of maintenance was completed by December 2023, with the refinery returning to production shortly after.
Labour representatives, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), toured the facility and expressed satisfaction with its operations.
The refinery currently produces various petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas.
NLC President Joe Ajaero stated, “Part of our agreement with the government during the pump price hike was ensuring this refinery becomes operational.
“It is working now, and it is our duty to confirm its functionality.”
TUC President Festus Osifo highlighted the rehabilitation’s technical depth, affirming that labour leaders were satisfied with the work done.
Similarly, NUPENG President Williams Akporeha confirmed the facility’s functionality and urged the government to adopt a joint management model, like the NLNG, instead of privatisation.
Despite skepticism on social media suggesting the refinery operates as a blending facility rather than a crude oil processor, Kyari dismissed the claims, emphasizing that blending is a standard global practice to meet product specifications.
Industry experts have also corroborated this, noting that blending ensures refined products meet quality standards.
Meanwhile, the rehabilitation of the new Port Harcourt Refinery, a 150,000-barrel-per-day facility, is nearing completion, with over 90% of work done.
Once operational, both refineries will combine to produce 210,000 barrels per day, significantly boosting Nigeria’s energy capacity.
Labour leaders urged the government to maintain regular turnaround maintenance of refineries and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the facilities remain productive to strengthen Nigeria’s energy security.
