The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has commended the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company LimitedÂ(NNPCL) for successfully running the rehabilitated Port Harcourt Refinery for 180 consecutive days. This milestone comes amidst widespread skepticism and previous failed attempts at refinery revamp projects.
In a statement, PETROAN’s Publicity Secretary, Joseph Obele, lauded the professionalism and expertise that have gone into ensuring the refinery’s continuous operation. He described the achievement as a “remarkable feat that underscores effectiveness.”
“Many doubted the possibility of this refinery coming back to life, given its 20-year dormancy. But today, we celebrate six months of uninterrupted refining operations. This is a victory worth acknowledging,” Obele stated.
Overcoming Skepticism and Doubt
The Port Harcourt Refinery’s rehabilitation has been a topic of political and economic debate for years, with successive governments making promises that never materialised. Many observers expressed doubts when the refinery was commissioned in October last year. However, it has since continued operations without interruption, proving critics wrong.
“There were a lot of prophets of doom who dismissed this project from the onset. We cannot blame them entirely, considering how many administrations have made similar promises in the past without results,” said a prominent analyst on Journalists’ Hangout. “But this achievement shows that political will, when backed by action, can drive real change.”
Some critics have continued to question the refinery’s operations, suggesting that fuel is merely being transported into the facility and trucked out without actual refining taking place. In response to such claims, independent verification visits have been conducted.
“When initial doubts were raised, the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) was taken to inspect the refinery. They confirmed it was fully operational,” another speaker noted. “Yet, even with such confirmations, some people remain unwilling to accept the truth.”
Economic and Social Impact
The revival of the Port Harcourt Refinery has already yielded tangible benefits. PETROAN highlighted that the availability of locally refined diesel and kerosene has contributed to stabilising prices and improving supply reliability.
“The prevalence of adulterated kerosene has significantly reduced since the refinery resumed operations,” Obele added. “This is a direct benefit to consumers and businesses alike.”
While celebrating this milestone, PETROAN urged NNPCL to accelerate efforts to bring the refinery’s second processing unit back online.
“We acknowledge the progress made so far, but we also challenge the government to complete the rehabilitation of the refinery’s second unit. This will further enhance Nigeria’s refining capacity and reduce dependence on fuel imports,” Obele concluded.
Political Undertones and National Development
Some observers have linked the persistent criticism of the refinery’s operations to political grievances stemming from the 2023 elections.
“Some individuals refuse to acknowledge positive developments simply because the current administration isn’t the one they supported,” a speaker remarked during a discussion on Journalists’ Hangout. “You cannot deny progress just because it doesn’t fit your narrative.”
Despite the controversy, PETROAN maintains that Nigerians should focus on the broader goal of achieving energy security and industrial self-sufficiency. The continued operation of the Port Harcourt Refinery represents a step in that direction, offering hope for further advancements in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
SOURCE : IN HOUSE
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