NNPCL: Obi lauds revival of Port Harcourt Refinery, seeks clarity and accountability in company’s operations

*Peter Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria, welcomes the rehabilitation and restart of the Port Harcourt Oil Refinery, in Rivers State, but charges the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to provide ‘clarity and accountability’ to Nigerians over the operations of the state-owned oil refinery

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Mr. Peter Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria, has described the Federal Government’s rehabilitation and restart of the Port Harcourt Oil Refinery, in Rivers State, South-South region, as a welcome development.

ConsumerConnect reports Obi, however, challenged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to provide clarity and accountability to Nigerians over the operations of the relaunched Port Harcourt Refinery.

Commenting on the development, the erstwhile Anambra State Governor said noted although the resuscitation of the oil-refining facility is a welcome development and great feat, it is yet important for the state oil company (NNPCL) to come clean to Nigerians about its operations.

On importance of transparency in NNPCL’s operations and benefits to consumers

Obi also stated: “I wish to congratulate the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for (on) fulfilling the long-standing promise of revamping the old Port Harcourt refinery.

“The refinery, which comes on stream today boasts an installed production capacity of 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

“Approximately 200 trucks are expected to load products daily from the refinery. Nigerians now await the corresponding impact and benefits on pump prices and the overall economy.

He noted: “Additionally, news of the Kaduna Refinery’s revival is promising, as it is expected to boost productivity, improve transportation, and alleviate economic burdens across the country.

“While we acknowledge these achievements as a step in the right direction, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of transparency in the operations of the NNPC.”

NNPCL has made ‘substantial progress on new Port Harcourt Refinery’: Spokesperson

It is recalled the NNPCL Tuesday, November 26, 2024, disclosed the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited had resumed operations after several previous failed deadlines by the management of the NNPCL.

The Board and Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited late Tuesday also expressed their heartfelt appreciation to energy consumers for their support and excitement over the safe, successful rehabilitation and restart of the 60,000 barrels-per-day (bpds) Old Port Harcourt Refinery, in Rivers State.

The NNPCL has described the achievement as one marking “a significant step forward after years of operational challenges and underperformance.”

Mr. Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPC Limited, who said this in a statement, however, acknowledged the state oil company is aware of “unfounded claims by certain individuals suggesting that the refinery is not producing products.”

Soneye asserted: “For clarity, the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is currently operating at 70 percent of its installed capacity, with plans to ramp up to 90 percent.”

He further explained aside from this, the state oil company has “made substantial progress on the new Port Harcourt Refinery, which will begin operations soon without prior announcements.”

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL said: “We urge Nigerians to focus on the remarkable achievements being realised under the able and progressive leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and to support efforts aimed at delivering more dividends to the nation.

“Malicious attacks on clear progress only undermine the significant strides made by NNPC Limited and the country.”

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