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The Port Harcourt Refinery is set to resume operations by December 2024, a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for energy self-sufficiency and reduced fuel imports.
This development was confirmed by the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee to Investigate the Turnaround Maintenance of Nigeria’s Refineries during a courtesy visit to the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Governor Fubara emphasized the alignment of his administration with President Bola Tinubu’s federal government policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The governor also highlighted the strategic importance of the refinery to the revival of the federal and state economies.
He stated that the refinery’s restart will lead to locally available petroleum products, reducing the need for imports and boosting the economy.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the committee’s chairman, provided an overview of their mission, following their visit to the Warri Refinery in Delta State.
He pointed out that the old Port Harcourt Refinery, established in 1965, and its counterpart in 1989, have not been in active operations for a long time.
The Senate, led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, is determined to ensure that Nigeria’s refineries are operational to decrease dependency on imported petroleum products.
The governor also addressed the cooperative spirit necessary for governance, highlighting that despite distractions, his focus remains steadfast on delivering for the people of Rivers State.
He emphasized the state’s peaceful and hospitable nature, encouraging the Senators to interact freely for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders involved.
The Port Harcourt Refinery’s resumption of operations is expected to alleviate challenges related to fuel scarcity and high prices, providing a more stable supply of petroleum products to the domestic market.
This development also serves as a positive indicator of the government’s commitment to revitalizing the nation’s oil and gas sector.
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