The long-awaited Port Harcourt refinery is now ready, fulfilling the federal government's promise that operation will start in December 2023.

In a video update, the refinery lights were turned on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.

According to a video uploaded on X, the refinery's flare indicated the commencement of oil refining.

This is coming months after the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, disclosed in August that the Port Harcourt refinery will commence operation in December 2023.

The minister said the objective is to ensure the country stops importing fuel.

Finally, thank you @MBuhari for giving hope to the Renewed hope.

Without @MBuhari precedent Port-harcourt Refinery won't see the lights ????️ pic.twitter.com/Cgf5reAvER

— Sir UCS (@chidawa311) December 21, 2023