The Port Harcourt Refinery has officially resumed operations following extensive renovations and modernization efforts that began in 2021. T
he Federal Government secured a $1.5 billion contract for the rehabilitation of the facility, which had been inactive since March 2019.
The first trucks of petroleum products were loaded on November 26, 2024, under the supervision of Mallam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), who visited the facility on the eve of its reopening.
Key Details About the Refinery
Location and Capacity: Situated in Alesa Eleme, Port Harcourt, the refinery complex consists of two operational units established in 1965 and 1989, with a combined installed capacity of 210,000 barrels per day. The older unit has a capacity of 60,000 barrels per stream day, while the newer unit can process 150,000 barrels per day.
Production Goals: The refinery is expected to produce various petroleum products, including premium motor spirit (PMS), diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This resumption is anticipated to significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products and alleviate foreign exchange pressures related to fuel imports.
Operational Capacity: Initially, the refinery will operate at approximately 60% capacity, processing around 600,000 barrels of crude oil daily. It is capable of loading up to 200 trucks daily with different petroleum products.
Background and Future Prospects
The rehabilitation project faced numerous delays but marks a critical step toward enhancing Nigeria’s refining capabilities. Previous administrations had made various promises to revive the country’s refineries, which have historically struggled to operate efficiently. The successful reactivation of the Port Harcourt Refinery is seen as a testament to the current government’s commitment to energy security and economic growth.
Furthermore, there are ongoing plans for further improvements in infrastructure surrounding the refinery, including repairs to the dilapidated Eleme Road that leads to it. This road has raised concerns about potential traffic congestion due to increased truck operations.
In summary, the resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery represents a significant milestone for Nigeria’s oil sector and could play a pivotal role in reducing dependence on imported fuels while stimulating local economic activity.
