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In a significant milestone, the Port Harcourt Refinery has commenced operations, marking a major stride towards Nigeria’s energy independence, Persecondnews reports.
The refinery, located in Rivers State, has started processing 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day, equivalent to 60% of its installed capacity.
According to Olufemi Soneye, spokesperson for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), the refinery’s reopening is a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring energy self-sufficiency.
The rehabilitation and reopening of the refinery were led by the NNPC Ltd. under the leadership of Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Mele Kyari.
The refinery has undergone significant upgrades to restore its functionality and align it with global standards.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, has long struggled with the paradox of exporting crude oil while importing refined petroleum products.
The Port Harcourt Refinery’s reopening is expected to bridge this gap, reducing the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products and saving billions of dollars in foreign exchange annually.
The refinery’s return to operations is also expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, providing a much-needed boost to local communities and the economy.
Energy analyst Dr. Danladi Aminu described the milestone as a “game-changer” for Nigeria, stating that it has the potential to stabilize fuel supply, reduce petrol costs, and enhance the country’s balance of trade.
The success of the Port Harcourt Refinery’s rehabilitation has been attributed to strong leadership and collaboration between the government, the NNPC Ltd. board, and industry stakeholders.
President Bola Tinubu and GCEO Mele Kyari are expected to receive widespread praise for their roles in making this vision a reality.
As operations commence, the refinery is expected to produce various petroleum products, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), diesel, and kerosene.
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