By: Adeosun Ewatomi
The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State has finally begun processing crude oil. This comes after repeated postponements and seven missed deadlines.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced this development, which will boost Nigeria's refining capacity and reduce the country's reliance on imported fuel. NNPCL also stated that truck loading has commenced, indicating the start of local fuel distribution from the facility.
Efforts to rehabilitate the Port Harcourt refinery have been ongoing, with officials previously providing assurances about its restart at various points since late 2023. The facility is one of Nigeria's four major refineries, with a combined capacity of 445,000 barrels per day, but it has struggled with inefficiency and underperformance for decades, despite substantial investments in its overhaul.
Additionally, NNPCL disclosed plans to revive the Warri Refinery soon. The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Femi Soneye, stated that this marks a monumental achievement for Nigeria, as it signifies a new era of energy independence and economic growth for the country.
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