News Desk
The Minister of State for petroleum resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has reassured Nigerians that Port Harcourt refinery will begin operations December, Warri, first quarter of 2024, and Kaduna, end of year, 2024.
The disclosure was made by the Minister yesterday, Friday, during an inspection tour of the rehabilitation work at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) Limited plant, as contained in a press release signed by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Limited , Garba Deen Muhammad.
According to the statement, the effort is geared towards restoring the nation’s local refining capacity and halt product Importation.
The statement said the Minister, who was in the company of the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ambassador Gabriel T. Aduda, and the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd., Mr. Mele Kyari, was optimistic about the stated timelines particularly the PHRC, considering the level of progress recorded in the
rehabilitation.
“Our objective in coming here today is to ensure that in the next few years, Nigeria stops fuel importation. From what we have seen here today, Port Harcourt Refinery will come on board by the end of the year, Warri will come on stream by the end of the first quarter of next year, and Kaduna will also come on board towards the end of next year. If you add that to the Dangote Refinery, we will be able to stop fuel importation, and Nigerians will enjoy the full benefits of deregulation,” the Minister assured.
The Minister, who was satisfied with the progress of the rehabilitation work at the Port Harcourt refinery, according to the statement, noted that once all the refineries are up and running Nigerians will enjoy a better supply of petroleum products, and foreign exchange domestication which would lead to an improved economy.
According to the Statement, the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd., Mr. Mele Kyari, in his remarks, reiterated the determination of the company to deliver on the mandate of bringing back the refineries to their optimal operational capacity.
“We are aware of our nation’s challenges in terms of fuel supply. But we are not here to give excuses. We are focused on delivering this rehabilitation project, our two other refineries, and all other investments towards revamping the nation’s refining capacity. We are hopeful that in 2024, this country will be a net exporter of petroleum products,” Kyari stated.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo said: “We are here to go into the field. Yesterday was the era of subsidies. Today, we don’t have subsidies. Today, people are in a desperate situation to heave a sigh of relief; and see how to live. You all know that petrol is very vital to our economy. All hands must be on deck to ensure that the refineries are working,” the statement said.
It further stated: “During the visit, the two Ministers also participated in the Refineries’ Rehabilitation
Steering Committee meeting and held a meeting with the refinery’s Engineering,
Procurement & Construction (EPC) Contractors.”
