Uncertainty looms over the federal government’s promise to bring the Port Harcourt Refinery into operation by December 2023. Despite assurances from the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, during an inspection tour in August, stakeholders, including the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), express doubts about the feasibility of meeting the December deadline.
The ongoing rehabilitation project at the Port Harcourt Refinery, located in Alesa Eleme, involves significant efforts by various contracting firms. The atmosphere at the project site appears charged, with workers engaged in day and night activities to meet the December deadline. However, some stakeholders question the progress, citing past delays and complexities associated with the rehabilitation.
Dr. Joseph Obele, the IPMAN chairman, acknowledges the intensified efforts but expresses skepticism about meeting the December completion date. He notes that despite the 90% completion level reported, there are concerns about the feasibility of the timeline. Obele highlights the impact of delayed refinery operations on the cost of fuel and emphasizes the need for a reliable and timely solution to address fuel supply challenges.
A staff member of a contracting firm working on the rehabilitation project also voices doubts about meeting the December deadline. The employee points out challenges related to the outdated facilities at the refinery, emphasizing the need for the installation of modern technological instrumentation. The refurbishment of 21 tanks and the replacement of manual facilities further complicate the project timeline.
While there is acknowledgment of progress in the rehabilitation work, stakeholders stress the importance of a realistic and achievable timeline for the refinery’s operation. The uncertainties surrounding the December deadline raise concerns about the potential implications for the fuel supply chain and the broader energy sector.
