The Port Harcourt Refinery has operated continuously for 180 days following its rehabilitation, signifying a major milestone in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) commended the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the sustained performance of the facility which had been inactive for over two decades. The refinery, revitalized with funding secured from Afreximbank and executed by Tecnimont Nigeria Limited, resumed operations in November 2024 after its formal commissioning the previous month.
PETROAN, through its Publicity Secretary, Joseph Obele, lauded Tecnimont for its technical expertise and applauded the support of host communities throughout the rehabilitation. The association highlighted that the steady production has improved product availability, reduced the prevalence of adulterated petroleum products, and stabilized the downstream market. According to PETROAN, its members are currently loading diesel and kerosene, while NNPCL Retail handles the distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The association further praised the refinery’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Onoja, for overseeing smooth operations, and extended gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Petroleum Minister Heineken Lokpobiri, NNPCL CEO Mele Kyari, and NNPC Retail Managing Director Hubb Stockman for their contributions to the project’s success.
