By Bayero Ade
The Presidency has offered new insights into the ongoing operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery, revealing that work is actively underway at the 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) facility.
According to the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the 60,000bpd plant is currently running at 70% of its installed capacity, with plans in place to increase production soon.
Onanuga made these statements following his participation in a fact-finding visit to the refinery on Wednesday.
He emphasized that contrary to claims suggesting the refinery lacks crude oil, the facility regularly receives crude supplies and is actively processing various petroleum products.
“While the refinery is not yet operating at full capacity, it is functioning at 70% of its installed capacity. The claims that it lacks crude oil are unfounded. The refinery is receiving regular crude supplies and is producing products like kerosene, diesel, low-pour fuel oil, liquefied petroleum gas, and petrol,” Onanuga explained.
Onanuga praised the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for its efforts in revitalizing the refinery, which had been on the brink of disrepair.
He noted that during the visit, the delegation toured various sections of the refinery, including the computerized control room and loading bays, and even tested product samples.
The refinery has undergone a major overhaul, with key systems and components replaced, including parts of a 300-kilometer pipeline. Several outdated parts, which had not been changed in over 27 years, were also upgraded to meet modern standards.
Onanuga also provided an update on the second Port Harcourt refinery, which was commissioned in 1989. The refinery is currently undergoing rehabilitation, with workers dismantling old infrastructure and replacing it with new components. Although no completion date was given, Onanuga expressed confidence that it would soon be operational alongside the 60,000bpd facility.
“The ongoing rehabilitation of the second refinery shows significant progress, and officials are optimistic it will soon be up and running,” Onanuga remarked.
The Port Harcourt Refining Company includes two plants: the 60,000bpd facility, which is already operational, and a larger 150,000bpd plant. Efforts are focused on ramping up production and ensuring the facilities are fully modernized for long-term use.
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