In a significant development, the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State has recommenced operations, in adherence to the federal government’s commitment to achieving the production of refined goods at the facility by December 2023.
The shutdown of Nigeria’s four refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna in 2019, with a collective processing capacity of 445,000 barrels per day (bpd), was primarily attributed to maintenance issues.
Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), confirmed the refinery’s revival plans during an inspection tour of the PHRC Ltd. plant in August.
The government had allocated $1.5 billion (1.2 billion euros) over two years ago for the rehabilitation of this significant oil refinery, with Italian company Maire Tecnimont overseeing the repair work on the Port Harcourt facility, boasting a daily production capacity of approximately 210,000 barrels.
Former Minister of Petroleum (State) Timipre Sylva outlined the rehabilitation in three phases, targeting 90 percent of the refinery’s nameplate capacity within the first 18 months.
According to Channels Television, Dr. Joseph Obele, former Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Rivers State, said the initial phase of the Port Harcourt Refinery’s rehabilitation is complete and undergoing testing.
Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani expressed optimism about the potential resumption of operations at the Kaduna Refinery, encouraged by the progress achieved at the Port Harcourt Refinery.
These developments are expected to enhance fuel supplies in Nigeria, diminishing the nation’s dependence on imported refined fuel and petroleum products.
