Rivers State, Nigeria — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced that the rehabilitation of the new Port Harcourt Refinery is over 90 percent complete. This update was disclosed on Monday during a visit by leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to the facility in Rivers State.
Mele Kyari, NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), represented by Isiyaku Abdulai, Executive Vice President, Downstream, provided details on the progress and future operations of the facility.
Enhanced Capacity and Modernization
The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) operates two plants: an old facility with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per stream day (bpsd) and a newer one capable of processing 150,000 bpsd, giving a combined crude oil processing capacity of 210,000 bpsd.
Kyari emphasized the comprehensive rehabilitation being undertaken, ensuring that the facility aligns with global standards:
“When the rehabilitation is completed, the refinery will be state-of-the-art and compliant with all health and safety standards. The contractors, Tecnimont SPA, have confirmed that the project is over 90 percent completed, and we are monitoring closely to deliver the refinery’s full capacity as soon as possible.”
Boosting Refining Capacity and Exports
Kyari noted that once the rehabilitation is finalized, the Port Harcourt Refinery will significantly bolster Nigeria’s refining capacity. The facility will cater to domestic demand for petroleum products and create surplus for export, reducing dependency on imports.
“With the combined 210,000 bpsd capacity, the refinery will support domestic refining processes and produce finished products that meet national needs. This will also enable Nigeria to achieve sufficiency and potentially become an exporter of refined petroleum products,” he explained.
Focus on Sustainable Operations and Maintenance
The GCEO highlighted NNPC’s efforts to ensure sustainable operations by establishing a professional team for technical operations and maintenance (O&M).
“Proper rehabilitation, including turnaround maintenance, is critical. We are replacing outdated equipment and integrating modern systems to ensure the refinery operates optimally. Our monitoring will adhere to the best global practices,” Kyari stated.
Reviving the Old Port Harcourt Refinery
In a related development, the old Port Harcourt Refinery has resumed crude oil processing after years of inactivity. The facility has also commenced the loading of petroleum products for distribution by trucks, marking a significant milestone in restoring Nigeria’s refining capacity.
Kyari acknowledged the challenges faced by refineries globally, particularly when maintenance is neglected, and reassured stakeholders of NNPC’s commitment to maintaining the facility’s efficiency.
Implications for Nigeria’s Energy Sector
The rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery is a key component of Nigeria’s broader energy strategy, aiming to reduce reliance on imported refined products, stabilize local fuel prices, and improve the economy through increased export potential.
As the project nears completion, expectations remain high for its positive impact on the country’s energy landscape.
