By John Joseph
Kindly share this news
In a significant development, labour leaders in Nigeria have confirmed that the newly revived old Port Harcourt Refinery is operating smoothly, dispelling uncertainties surrounding its operational status. The refinery, with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, resumed operations on November 26, 2024, after a comprehensive rehabilitation process.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers conducted a fact-finding visit to the refinery, where they were shown the various processing units and assured of the facility’s operational status.
“We are satisfied with what we have seen – the level of work and details that went into the rehabilitation,” said Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress and PENGASSAN. “The refinery is indeed operational, and we confirm that the new one, which is under rehabilitation, is almost completed.”
The old refinery currently produces straight-run gasoline (Naphtha) blended into 1.4 million liters of PMS daily, 900,000 liters of kerosene, 1.5 million liters of Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel), 2.1 million liters of Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO), and additional volumes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Labour leaders have warned against the privatisation of the refinery, calling for the adoption of the NLNG model, where the Federal Government and International Oil Companies jointly manage the facility. They also urged the government to put measures in place for regular turnaround maintenance of the refinery.
Meanwhile, the NNPC Ltd. has confirmed that the ongoing repair of the new 150,000-barrel-per-day Port Harcourt Refining Company has reached over 90 per cent completion rate. The refinery’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Onoja, stated that the rehabilitation work is ongoing, and the plant is expected to start running soon.
Kindly share this news!!!