The Port Harcourt Refinery is set to dispatch its first batch of petroleum today, Tuesday, November 26, 2024 after it commenced operations following a major upgrade and modernization project that started in 2021.
This ends a series of failed deadlines over commencement of production at the refinery.
The refinery is set to dispatch its first batch of petroleum products on Tuesday, November 26.
This milestone follows an inspection of the facility on Monday evening, November 25, by Mallam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL.
Situated in Alesa Eleme, Port Harcourt, the refinery comprises two units built in 1965 and 1989, with a combined capacity to process 210,000 barrels per day.
The older unit can handle 60,000 barrels per stream day, while the newer unit is designed for 150,000 barrels per stream day.
The refinery’s reopening is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported fuel.
It will produce key products such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, diesel, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, bolstering the nation’s energy supply and economic growth.
Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigeria National Petroluem Company Limited (NNPCL) Femi Soneye said on Tuesday, Nov. 26: “Today marks a monumental achievement for Nigeria as the Port Harcourt Refinery officially commences crude oil processing. This groundbreaking milestone signifies a new era of energy independence and economic growth for our nation.
“Hearty congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NNPC Board, and the exceptional leadership of GCEO Mele Kyari for their unwavering commitment to this transformative project. Together, we are reshaping Nigeria’s energy future!”
