First set of trucks loading at Port Harcourt Refinery. May Tinubu succeed.
God bless Nigeria.
Yesterday the Port-Harcourt Refinery bounced back to life after shutting down for five years.
The resumption of production was applauded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who said this development would rekindle hope of efficient fuel supply.
“President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited(NNPCL) on the successful revitalisation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, marked by the official commencement of petroleum product loading on November 26,” a statement by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said.
The President also ordered the reactivation of Warri and Kaduna facilities to enhance effective supply.
The Port-Harcourt plant would operate at 60 per cent installed capacity, with 200 trucks loading petroleum products daily, Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Mallam Mele Kyari, said.
The resumption was after several failed attempts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to restart the plant.
Speaking during a brief ceremony to mark the commencement of products loading at the refinery, Kyari described the load-out activities as a monumental achievement for Nigeria.
According to him, it signified a new era of energy independence and economic growth for the country, adding that the move was in fulfilment of the NNPCL’s resolve to re-stream the PHRC, signalling the commencement of crude oil processing from the plant and delivery of petroleum products into the market.
Kyari explained that trucks commenced loading of petrol, diesel and Kerosene, adding that other product slates will be dispatched as well.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and understanding towards the rehabilitation project and for his persistence to ensure energy security for the country.
Kyari also expressed appreciation to the NNPCL’s Board of Directors and the staff for their support and commitment, which climaxed in the streaming of the refinery.
He commended the contractors for doing a great job in ensuring that the refinery was delivered despite all challenges.
The NNPCL boss also thanked Nigerians for their patience and for the legitimate expectations on the company to deliver on the other refineries.
He said: “We are going to see loading today. I just want to add that without leadership support, you cannot achieve results like this. And we are convinced beyond all doubt that without the support, perseverance, and patience of Mr. President, we would not have achieved this fate.
“And all of us must congratulate him because it is his massive pressure that made us to come to this level. And we are very happy. And I congratulate my colleagues in the refinery and outside the refinery, our contractors, and even our regulators for helping us and supporting us coming to this level.
“It is possible. This country, this refinery has shown that with persistence, with the right focus, with the right leadership support, which we have today, that we know that anything is possible. And this country is going great under the leadership of President Tinubu.”
The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed, congratulated the state-run oil giant for the milestone and assured of his agency’s continued support towards the completion of rehabilitation work at the other refineries.
He said: “I just want to confirm that all the regulatory support that were required by the refinery was granted and offered by the NMDPRA, and my colleagues have been working very closely with the contractor, as well as the management of PHRC. What is important, like the contractor said, is the upgrade to new technology.
“So, this is an old plant that has come back with the current technology. And we are particularly supportive and worked closely with them to ensure that all the regulatory requirements were met. One thing that we have noticed also is the flare.
“If you can all see, the flare is very clean. There is no smoke, which shows that the plant is working very well and in compliance with the environmental requirements.”
Project Director, Maire Tecnimont, Caccaviello said: “We did a great job. We succeeded to have the facility in full production, and that is thanks to everybody. The next step soon will be to work on the other part of the area of the facilities, with the same passion, with the same effort.
“And soon, despite all challenges that we will have in front of us, we will have a good result on the rest of the plant.”
The rehabilitation of the refinery is an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation & Commissioning (EPCIC) project aimed at restoring the refinery to full functionality and renewal.
It has so far achieved over 16 million man-hours with zero Loss Time Injury (LTI), it was gathered.
