The Port Harcourt Refinery has resumed operations following an upgrade and modernization project that began in 2021.

On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, the refinery dispatched its first batch of petroleum products.

Operations started after Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, inspected the facility on Monday, November 25.

The facility is located in Alesa Eleme, Port Harcourt, and consists of two units built in 1965 and 1989, with a combined capacity to process 210,000 barrels per day.

The older unit can handle 60,000 barrels per stream day, while the newer unit is designed for 150,000 barrels per stream day.

With the refinery now in operation, it is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported fuel.

It will produce key products such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, diesel, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), to enhance the nation’s energy supply and economic growth.

Regarding the resumption of the refinery, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Femi Soneye, stated: “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!”

Nigerians on social media have hailed President Bola Tinubu and the NNPCL for their efforts in ensuring the Port Harcourt refinery begins operation.

These moves they believe will ease the cost of fuel for citizens.

Below are some reactions.

@SholaOlapade: This will be a major win for Nigeria. Kudos to the government for following through on this to bring it to fruition.
Congratulations to us!
Shalom

@udoikon: THIS IS GREAT NEWS! LET'S SEE IF THE PRICE OF FUEL WILL REDUCE.

@ThatVyktur: But we shouldn't expect a refinery that has been abandoned for ages to kick off 100%

Commonsense demands a gradual upgrade until maximum is reached.

The way Tinubu is moving, he might be a nightmare to many.

More cheering news to come

@chibuzo_mikel: I'm super excited. Nigeria is on the rise!

@AmodaOgunlere: If this refinery works. Buhari and Tinubu would have written der names in pure gold of history. May Baba Tinubu succeed, Amen. Sai Baba

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