Former Group Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Alex Ogedengbe, has cautioned Nigerians to lower their expectations regarding the upcoming rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery. Speaking on Channels Television, Ogedengbe revealed that, from the information available, the refinery is unlikely to commence operations in December, and even if it does, it may only produce 25% of petrol per barrel of crude oil.
Despite assurances from the NNPC and the Ministry of Petroleum that the 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) segment of the 210,000 bpd refinery would be operational in December, Ogedengbe expressed skepticism. He emphasized that the old refinery being focused on had not operated for over 30 years.
Ogedengbe explained that, based on the information provided by the refinery’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Onoja, the best-case scenario by the end of December would be mechanical completion. Testing and system integration would follow, taking an additional two to three months. Even if the systems work, he doubted a significant contribution to production, highlighting the complex nature of the rehabilitation.
The former NNPC executive questioned the decision to prioritize the 58-year-old refinery over a newer 150,000 bpd facility built 30 years later. He suggested that the focus on the older refinery might be politically motivated for a quick fix.
Ogedengbe emphasized the need for a comprehensive policy review, expressing doubts about the rehabilitation project’s ability to bring the refineries to full production. He noted that during his tenure, budgetary constraints and insufficient funds for maintenance contributed to the decline of the refineries.
As Nigeria anticipates the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery, concerns are growing over technical challenges, project timelines, and the overall impact on the nation’s petroleum industry. Ogedengbe’s insights underscore the need for transparent communication, proper planning, and a realistic assessment of the challenges associated with refinery rehabilitation.
