The Port Harcourt Refinery has resumed full operations following a brief scaling down, according to the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Ibrahim Onoja.
Speaking to journalists during a facility tour on Sunday night, Onoja confirmed that the refinery is now distributing products, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), kerosene, and diesel.
“The refinery has undergone significant upgrades to improve efficiency and reliability, which have also enhanced its production capacity. We replaced key equipment such as pumps, installations, and cables,” Onoja explained. “The plant is fully operational, and product trucking is ongoing.”
Technical Upgrades Addressed
Mr. Moyi Maidunama, Director of Operations at the Nigeria Pipeline Storage Company (NPSC) Ltd, acknowledged the recent reduction in production. He clarified that the temporary scale-down was necessary to address technical issues aimed at improving the refinery’s delivery capacity.
“We’re managing the process with the available trucks, utilizing three loading arms for evacuation. This situation will be resolved shortly,” Maidunama said. “Our operations were never completely halted—just scaled down for upgrades. Product evacuation from the refinery has been consistent since yesterday and will continue as planned.”
Improved Efficiency Noted
Terminal Manager, Mr. Worlu Joel, highlighted the refinery’s improved efficiency, noting the operational readiness of 11 loading bays. Currently, three bays are in use due to enhanced productivity.
“Each bay processes three trucks within 15 minutes. With sufficient tanker turnout, we can evacuate up to 100 trucks in five hours. The challenge now lies with the slow response of tanker drivers,” Joel stated.
Milestones in Rehabilitation
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited announced on November 26 that the refinery had resumed production following extensive rehabilitation. The Port Harcourt Refinery Complex consists of two units: an older facility with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) and a newer unit capable of refining 150,000 bpd, bringing the total capacity to 210,000 bpd.
The facility had been largely inactive for over two decades, undergoing its first phase of rehabilitation in March 2019. Italy’s Maire Tecnimont managed the project, with Eni serving as a technical adviser.
In 2021, NNPC secured $1.5 billion for the project, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). On December 21, 2023, the government announced the mechanical completion of the refinery and the initiation of flare start-up operations.
With these upgrades, the Port Harcourt Refinery is poised to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s petroleum product supply chain.
