The first phase of rehabilitation of Port Harcourt Refinery in Rivers State, Nigeria, is reportedly complete.
According to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, this phase of the project was completed on Dec 20, 2023. This came a few days before the day (Dec 31, 2023) Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had promised.
This phase comprised mechanical completion and flare start-up of the Old Port Harcourt Refinery (Area-5). The mechanical completion according to NNPCL signifies the closure of the construction and installation phases of the Port Harcourt Refinery rehabilitation project.
Once operational, phase 1 of the project will refine approximately 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
The start of the implementation of the project
The implementation of the Port Harcourt Refinery rehabilitation project began approximately two years ago. In April 2021, NNPC signed a contract with Tecnimont SPA for the US$ 1.5bn project.
The contract was for the provision of engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning services for the refinery rehabilitation project.
The second phase of the project will reportedly be completed in the fourth quarter of 2024. This phase will ramp up the Port Harcourt Refinery production to 210,000 bpd. It will produce 150,000 bpd.
Significance of Port Harcourt Refinery rehabilitation
Speaking on the completion of the 1st phase of the Port Harcourt Refinery rehabilitation project, Chief Pius Akinyelure described this milestone as historic. Akinyelure who is the chairman of the NNPCL Board emphasized that the board was proud of the staff and management of the refinery.
Also Read: Rehabilitation of Port Harcourt Refinery Complex in River State Nigeria
“This is just the beginning. We want to achieve the highest level of production. This will enable us to keep the prices of petroleum prices in the country stable. Consequently, we will give comfort to our people and generate more revenue for the country,” said Akinyelure.
Ibrahim Onoja on the other hand said that the facility was thoroughly rehabilitated to last the country for many decades. Onoja is the Managing Director, of Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited. He said, “Port Harcourt Refinery will last another 50 years. The facility will give value to Nigeria, create jobs, provide feedstock for industries, revenue, foreign exchange, energy security etc.”
