The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) Ltd in Rivers State has officially begun processing crude oil, marking a significant step toward Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency and economic advancement.
Femi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), announced the milestone on Tuesday, calling it “a monumental achievement for Nigeria.” He added that this marks the start of a transformative phase for the country, leading to greater energy independence and a boost to the national economy.
“We extend heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NNPC Board, and the visionary leadership of Mele Kyari for their unwavering dedication to this project,” Soneye said. “Together, we are charting a new course for Nigeria’s energy future.”
The announcement also revealed that truck loading operations are set to begin immediately, and NNPCL is making strides to bring the Warri Refinery back into operation soon.
Tuesday’s development comes after several missed deadlines for the refinery’s production restart. Upon taking office in August 2023, Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, had set a target for the refinery to be operational by December of that year. However, the timeline slipped further, with NNPCL’s Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, later targeting April 2024 for production to commence.
Despite the delays, Kyari expressed optimism, saying, “We are fully aware of the nation’s challenges regarding fuel supply, but we are committed to delivering on the rehabilitation of this refinery and others, including investments that will revitalize the country’s refining capacity.” He also expressed hope that Nigeria would become a net exporter of petroleum products by 2024.
This achievement is seen as a crucial step in reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel and boosting domestic refining capacity, promising a brighter energy future for the nation.
