A fact-finding mission to the 60,000 barrels-per-day Port Harcourt Refining Complex on Wednesday has dispelled rumors about the facility’s operational status. The visit, led by the refinery’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Onoja, confirmed that the refinery is functioning at 70% installed capacity, with plans to increase production in the near future.
The team toured the refinery’s key sections, including the computerized control room, the loading bay, and other critical areas. Questions about the refinery’s performance and crude supply were answered to the satisfaction of the visitors. Contrary to rumors, the refinery is receiving regular crude supplies and producing a variety of petroleum products, such as kerosene, diesel, LPG, low-pour fuel oil, and gasoline, which is blended to create petrol for vehicles.
Modernized Refinery After Comprehensive Overhaul
The refinery has undergone significant modernization, with upgrades to outdated components and infrastructure. Over 300 kilometers of new pipelines have been installed, and parts that had not been replaced in over 27 years have been updated. These efforts have transformed the facility from a mid-20th-century plant into a state-of-the-art operation, aligning with 21st-century standards.
Co-Located Refinery Undergoing Revamp
The team also visited the co-located second Port Harcourt Refinery, commissioned in 1989. Workers were observed replacing old, deteriorated components with new ones. Although no specific timeline for completion was provided, officials expressed confidence that the second refinery would soon become operational, further boosting Nigeria’s refining capacity.
Debunking Misinformation
The visit addressed misconceptions about the refinery’s state, including claims that it lacked crude oil to process. The fact-finding team confirmed that these allegations are baseless. Samples of the refinery’s products were tested during the visit, reinforcing the credibility of its operations.
Commendation for Reviving a National Asset
The team commended NNPC Limited and the refinery’s management for breathing new life into the facility, which had been on the brink of obsolescence. “What was once a near-defunct asset has been transformed into a modern and productive facility,” one member of the fact-finding team stated.
The mission concluded with a call to Nigerians to disregard rumors and appreciate the strides made in reviving the Port Harcourt Refinery Complex, a critical national asset.
