The Port Harcourt Refinery is undergoing rigorous testing to ensure operational readiness before it begins commercial operations. Initially slated to resume refining in December 2023 after Turn Around Maintenance (TAM), recent checks by Vanguard on Sunday reveal that the testing phase, preceding crude supply, is still in progress.
Olufemi Oladapo Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., confirmed the ongoing testing, emphasizing the need for perfection before crude supply for refining can commence. NNPC Ltd. had previously announced the mechanical completion of rehabilitation work on the Area 5 Plant of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC).
During an inspection tour, NNPC Ltd.’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, reported that as of December 15th, 2023, 84.4% of the crucial Area 5 Plant and 77.4% of the entire rehabilitation project have been completed. Kyari expressed commitment to reaching full operational capacity in 2024.
The Chairman of the NNPC Ltd Board, Pius Akinyelure, termed the achievement “historic” and expressed optimism about achieving high production levels to stabilize petroleum prices and generate revenue for the country. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, acknowledged the milestone as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, highlighted the positive impact on the nation’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) industry, noting that the Refinery’s re-streaming will benefit the production of LPG, a major by-product. The ministers thanked Nigerians for their patience and trust in NNPC Ltd.’s capacity to deliver on this significant project.
