NNPC Admits Challenges Delaying Port Harcourt Refinery Takeoff, Promises Completion Soon

Port Harcourt Refinery Rehabilitation Hits Snags

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has disclosed reasons for the delay in completing the Port Harcourt Refinery’s rehabilitation, two months after missing its September deadline. The NNPC stated that unforeseen technical challenges in the revamp of the refinery had caused the holdup but assured Nigerians that commissioning is back on track.

“Mechanical completion of the Port Harcourt Refinery revamp was achieved several months ago,” said Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer. “Since then, we have been commissioning key equipment and process units. While the complexity of brownfield projects introduces unexpected hurdles, these have now been effectively resolved.”

Soneye further reassured Nigerians, saying, “We are working tirelessly to finalise this crucial project and will hand it over shortly.”

Senate Questions $1.5 Billion Investment

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate has raised concerns over the $1.5 billion approved in 2021 for the Port Harcourt Refinery’s turnaround maintenance. The Senate noted the lack of tangible results despite the significant financial investment.

Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee investigating economic sabotage in the petroleum sector, said, “The federal government has invested billions of dollars in maintaining and turning around the state-owned refineries in Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Warri. Yet, these facilities remain non-functional.”

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Bamidele emphasised the apparent disparity between public and private enterprise performance, adding, “It is unpatriotic to treat public corporations as neglected entities while private businesses flourish.”

The committee highlighted its concern during a stakeholder meeting in Abuja, urging the NNPC to be transparent about the project’s timeline and deliverables.

NNPC Faces Public Pressure

The Port Harcourt refinery is one of three government-owned refineries under the management of the NNPC. It has remained inactive for years, leading to Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum products. The rehabilitation project aims to restore the refinery’s operational capacity, reducing costs and boosting domestic production.

The NNPC’s promise of completion “soon” has left many Nigerians skeptical, given past delays and unfulfilled assurances. “We cannot continue to pour billions into these facilities without seeing results,” said Chukwuemeka Oke, a fuel distributor in Rivers State. “Nigerians deserve accountability.”

Implications of Delay

Fuel subsidy removal earlier this year has already strained household budgets, with the hope of functional refineries serving as a potential relief for consumers. A functioning Port Harcourt Refinery could significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependency on fuel imports and stabilise prices.

Bamidele called on the NNPC to prioritise transparency and efficiency in project execution. “We owe it to Nigerians to ensure every dollar spent translates into measurable benefits. The situation must change,” he said.

Nigerians Anticipate Results

Despite the concerns, the NNPC remains optimistic about completing the refinery soon. However, the pressure to deliver has intensified, as Nigerians eagerly await the promised reduction in fuel costs and improved energy independence.