Following the federal government’s failure to meet the February 2024 deadline for the commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery, the Nigerian Senate has uncovered that the refinery is still not ready for production.
This revelation came to light during a press statement by Senator Ubah, who announced the findings after the Senate committee’s visit to Governor Similanayi Fubara of Rivers State at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Ubah expressed confidence that the refinery, which is 90% complete, would commence operations before the end of the year. The committee had previously visited the Warri Refinery and came to Port Harcourt to assess the readiness of both the old and new refineries to restart operations.
Ubah recalled that the old Port Harcourt Refinery, built in 1965, and its successor, built in 1989, have been inactive for a long time. He emphasized the Senate’s resolution, under the leadership of President Senator Godswill Akpabio, to ensure the operation of Nigeria’s refineries to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, stated that his administration is aligning with the federal government’s policies under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. As part of this alignment, the Woji-Aleto-Alesa-Refinery Road, now 70% complete, is being constructed to provide easy access to the Port Harcourt Refinery and alleviate traffic on the East-West Road.
Governor Fubara expressed optimism that the Senate Committee’s investigation would improve the lives of Nigerians. He also highlighted the benefits to both the federal government and Rivers State once the refinery becomes operational, including local availability of petroleum products, reduced importation, economic growth, increased internally generated revenue, and more state projects.
Despite perceived challenges, Governor Fubara affirmed his commitment to serving the people of Rivers State, stating that the ultimate goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of the citizens.
