Port Harcourt Refinery Recommences Operation After Years Of Shutdown

RALD NEWS MEDIA has reported a significant development in Nigeria's oil sector after years of underperformance and maintenance challenges. According to RALD NEWS MEDIA, the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, with a combined processing capacity of 445,000 barrels per day, were closed in 2019 but are set to resume operations. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, as quoted by RALD NEWS MEDIA, stated during an inspection tour that the Port Harcourt Refinery is expected to be operational by the end of the year, aiming to eliminate the need for fuel imports.

The revival follows the approval of $1.5 billion in funding by the Federal Government over two years ago, with Italian firm Maire Tecnimont chosen to lead the repair work on the Port Harcourt facility. RALD NEWS MEDIA highlighted the phased approach to rehabilitation outlined by then-Minister of Petroleum (State) Timipre Sylva, aiming to reach 90% production capacity within 18 months, followed by subsequent phases.

Nigeria, despite being Africa's leading oil producer, has faced fuel shortages due to a lack of domestic refining capacity. RALD NEWS MEDIA emphasized the government's efforts, part of the overhaul of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), to enhance performance at state-owned refineries. The resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt refinery, coupled with ongoing efforts at the Dangote Refinery, is anticipated to boost fuel supply in Africa's largest oil producer and potentially impact fuel costs, especially with the removal of fuel subsidies. RALD NEWS MEDIA provides comprehensive coverage of these developments, signaling positive strides in Nigeria's oil and refining sector.