by Ogbeni Olawale Dawodu –
Nearly two months after missing the September deadline for the completion of the Port Harcourt Refinery rehabilitation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has acknowledged ongoing delays, citing “unforeseen risks and challenges” in the project.
Speaking on the matter, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, explained the difficulties inherent in refurbishing the facility, which he described as a “brownfield project.” “You may recall that the mechanical completion of the PHRC revamp was successfully achieved several months ago, marking a significant milestone in the project,” Soneye stated.
“Following this, we began commissioning critical equipment and processing units. However, as is common with brownfield projects of this scale and complexity, we encountered unforeseen risks and challenges.”
Despite the setbacks, Soneye assured Nigerians that the issues have been addressed and that efforts are underway to fast-track the refinery’s completion.
“These issues have since been effectively resolved, and commissioning activities have resumed,” he added. “Work is being carried out around the clock to ensure the successful completion of this critical project.”
The Port Harcourt refinery, one of three owned by the Federal Government and managed by the NNPCL, has remained non-functional for years. In March 2021, the government secured a $1.5 billion loan for its overhaul, but the contractor has yet to announce a completion date.
Nigerians have long hoped that the refinery’s revival would lower the cost of fuel by reducing the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
However, the NNPCL recently confirmed that it would continue importing fuel, noting that it is not the sole off-taker of petrol from the newly commissioned Dangote Refinery.
The Port Harcourt Refinery, located in the oil-rich Niger Delta, was first commissioned in 1965 but fell into disrepair over the years.
While mechanical upgrades have been completed, the promised operational revival remains a work in progress, leaving Nigerians to wait anxiously for its impact on domestic fuel prices.
