Nigerians Skeptical as Port Harcourt Refinery Set to Begin Operations in Two Weeks

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced that the Port Harcourt Refinery would become operational in two weeks.

However, this news has been met with skepticism by Nigerians, who have heard similar promises in the past without any positive outcome.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari, assured Nigerians that the delivery date of the Port Harcourt and other refineries remained sacrosanct.

He mentioned that the Port Harcourt Refinery had received 450,000 barrels of crude for processing since the mechanical completion of the plant in December last year.

Kyari also called for the cooperation of all stakeholders in the rehabilitation process, saying that they were all serving the country dutifully and loyally.

Despite these assurances, many Nigerians are still doubtful, given the history of unfulfilled promises regarding the refinery’s operation.

The skepticism is not unfounded, as similar promises have been made since 2015, when the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) came into power.

Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) President, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, believes that while it is important to remain optimistic, the government’s past actions have made it difficult for people to trust their promises.

He advised the government to be honest and sincere with Nigerians, warning that deliberately lying to the people always would only provoke them to anger, which is not good for the society.

Middle Belt Forum (MBF) President, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, on the other hand, believes that nothing will come out of the promise.

He stated that the Nigerian attitude has not changed, and people should not build any hope around the promise to avoid suffering unnecessary heartache.

Legal practitioner and public commentator, IK Onodi, also expressed his doubts, stating that he would not believe anything until he has seen that the refinery has actually started refining.

He cited the example of the Dangote Refinery, which was commissioned last year and was supposed to start producing by July but has not produced any crude oil to date.

Industrialist Anthony Obidulu called the refinery a “cancer to the Nigerian society” and said that if given the opportunity, he would sell it for $1.

He believes that the refinery has been used to play politics since the Olusegun Obasanjo administration and that nothing will come out of the latest promise.

In conclusion, while the NNPCL’s announcement of the Port Harcourt Refinery’s imminent operation in two weeks is a positive development, many Nigerians remain skeptical due to past unfulfilled promises.

Only time will tell if this promise will be different, but it is essential for the government to be transparent and honest with its citizens to regain their trust and confidence in its ability to deliver on its promises.