The Port Harcourt Refinery is currently undergoing test runs to ensure operational readiness before the commencement of commercial operations. Despite expectations for the refinery to resume refining activities following Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) in December 2023, ongoing checks by Vanguard on Sunday revealed that the testing phase, to be followed by crude supply, is still in progress.
Confirming the ongoing test runs, Olufemi Oladapo Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., stated, “We have said that the Port Harcourt Refinery has been completed. Test running is ongoing. It is targeted at ensuring that everything, including the lines, is in perfect condition. It is when everything is confirmed to be fine that the supply of crude for refining can start.”
Earlier, NNPC Ltd. had announced the mechanical completion of rehabilitation work on the Area 5 Plant of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC). The rehabilitation, spanning over two years, aims to revitalize the refinery and enhance its operational efficiency.
During an inspection tour and the 15th Refineries’ Rehabilitation Steering Committee Meeting, Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., reported significant progress. As of December 15, 2023, 84.4% of Area 5 Plant and 77.4% of the entire rehabilitation project have been completed.
Kyari reaffirmed the commitment to reach a mechanical completion of phase one by the end of December and reiterated plans to have the other plants operational in 2024.
Chief Pius Akinyelure, Chairman of the NNPC Ltd Board, termed the milestone as “historic” and expressed pride in the efforts of the refinery’s staff and management. He emphasized the goal of achieving high levels of production to stabilize petroleum prices and generate more revenue for the country.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, credited the milestone to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. He thanked Nigerians for their patience and trust in NNPC Ltd.’s ability to deliver on this significant project.
Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo highlighted that re-streaming the refinery would positively impact the nation’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) industry, as LPG is a major by-product of the refinery. The ongoing test runs mark a crucial phase in the journey toward revitalizing the Port Harcourt Refinery and strengthening Nigeria’s refining capabilities.
