President Tinubu Celebrates as Port Harcourt Refinery Begins Production

President Bola Tinubu was all joy on Tuesday as the Port Harcourt refinery revved back to life and started loading trucks with petroleum products. It is a new regime for the oil industry in Nigeria with two refineries (one private, one government) now producing petroleum products. Nigerians expect a drop in fuel prices going forward.

This feat is happening after several failed promises and humongous amounts invested in reviving the refineries, the NNPCL announced that the Port Harcourt Refinery commenced production on Tuesday and several trucks were seen queuing to load products from the facility immediately.

NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, said: “Today marks a monumental achievement for Nigeria as the Port Harcourt Refinery officially commences crude oil processing. This groundbreaking milestone signifies a new era of energy independence and economic growth for our nation.

Hearty congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NNPC Board, and the exceptional leadership of GCEO Mele Kyari for their unwavering commitment to this transformative project. Together, we are reshaping Nigeria’s energy future!”

Soneye said truck loading would also commence on Tuesday, adding that the NNPCL is also “working tirelessly to bring the Warri Refinery back online soon”

The refinery would start with 60,000 barrels capacity per day, releasing Premium Motor Spirit, diesel, and others into the Nigerian market.

News that the refinery had commenced production spread like wildfire in December last year. It turned out to be untrue. The refinery is one of the three owned by the Federal Government that had gone moribund.

Fixing the refineries was one of the campaign promises of the APC government under President Buhari. Unfortunately, the government could not deliver on that promise despite strenuous efforts and huge sums of money invested in the revitalisation.

President Tinubu Celebrates Revival of Port Harcourt Refinery

Jubilant President Tinubu has commended the revival of the Port Harcourt Refinery and wants the other refineries to be revived also. In a statement by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser (Information and Strategy):
“President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery, marked by the official commencement of petroleum product loading on November 26, 2024.

“The President acknowledges the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all our refineries and expresses gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project.

“Furthermore, President Tinubu commends the leadership of NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, whose unwavering dedication and commitment were instrumental in overcoming challenges to achieve this milestone.

“With the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, President Tinubu urges NNPC Limited to expedite the scheduled reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.

“These efforts will significantly enhance domestic production capacity alongside the contributions of privately owned refineries and make our country a major energy hub, with the gas sector also enjoying unprecedented attention by the administration.

“The President underscores his administration’s determination to repair the nation’s refineries, aiming to eradicate the disheartening perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer that lacks the ability to refine its own resources for domestic consumption.

“Highlighting the values of patience, integrity, and accountability in the rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure, President Tinubu calls upon individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation.

“In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda focused on shared economic prosperity for all, the President reaffirms his administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and boosting export capacity for Nigeria.