President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for achieving a major milestone in Nigeria’s energy sector with the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery.

In a press release signed by his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended the efforts of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who initiated the comprehensive rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries, including the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC).

“This achievement underscores our administration’s commitment to repairing the nation’s refineries and eradicating the disheartening perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer that lacks the capacity to refine its resources for domestic use.”
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser

President Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the African Export-Import Bank for its role in financing the vital project, reinforcing international confidence in Nigeria’s infrastructural development initiatives.

President Tinubu lauded the leadership of NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr. Mele Kyari, whose unwavering commitment ensured the project’s success despite significant challenges.

Under Kyari’s leadership, the NNPCL fulfilled its promise to bring the refinery back online, marking a critical step in Nigeria’s quest for energy self-sufficiency.

The President also urged the NNPCL to expedite efforts to reactivate the second Port Harcourt refinery as well as the Warri and Kaduna refineries.

With the added contributions of privately-owned refineries, Nigeria aims to transform into a major energy hub in Africa, reducing its reliance on imported petroleum products and boosting its economy through enhanced export capacity.

Reaffirming his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu emphasized the values of patience, integrity, and accountability as essential to rebuilding Nigeria’s infrastructure.

He called on citizens, institutions, and stakeholders entrusted with responsibilities to uphold trust and remain focused on delivering service to the nation.

In line with this vision, the President highlighted the significance of achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and bolstering export capacity. “This milestone is not just a technical achievement; it is a commitment to shared economic prosperity for all Nigerians,” he added.

NNPCL Delivers on its Promise

On the ground in Port Harcourt, the commencement of petroleum product loading at the PHRC was celebrated as a monumental achievement. Trucks began loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Household Kerosene (HHK), with other product slates scheduled for delivery in the coming weeks.

Speaking during the brief ceremony, GCEO Mr. Mele Kyari described the development as a “new dawn” for Nigeria’s energy sector. He expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for his persistent support, which played a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s success.

Kyari also thanked the NNPCL Board of Directors, staff, contractors, and the Nigerian public for their patience and unwavering expectations as the company worked to bring the refinery back online.

“This milestone demonstrates our commitment to delivering on the promise to rehabilitate all our refineries. It is a testament to the resilience and dedication of our team and partners.”
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser

Kyari also extended his gratitude to Nigerians for their patience and understanding throughout the refinery’s rehabilitation process, promising further progress on the Warri, Kaduna, and second Port Harcourt refineries.

The reactivation of the Port Harcourt refinery has also garnered support from regulatory authorities.

Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), congratulated NNPCL on the milestone and reaffirmed his agency’s commitment to facilitating the completion of rehabilitation work across Nigeria’s refineries.

The PHRC rehabilitation project, categorized as an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation & Commissioning (EPCIC) effort, is designed to restore the refinery to full operational capacity.

Notably, the project has logged over 16 million man-hours without a single Loss Time Injury (LTI), a testament to the adherence to stringent safety standards.

The successful reactivation of the Port Harcourt Refinery is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of various stakeholders, including the government, NNPCL leadership, contractors, and international partners.

As Nigeria moves closer to energy independence, this milestone reflects the nation’s potential to harness its vast resources for domestic growth and regional influence.

With plans underway for further rehabilitation projects, the Tinubu administration’s commitment to energy security and infrastructure renewal promises a brighter, more self-reliant future for Nigeria.