NNPCL moves Port Harcourt refinery kick-off for sixth time

The Port Harcourt Refining Company, one of the refineries under the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in Rivers State, has postponed commencement of its operations for a sixth time.

Since December 2023, NNPC has pencilled in different dates, assuring Nigerians that the refinery would begin the sale of refined products soon.

In July, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, stated categorically that the refinery would come into operation in early August.

The same Kyari said in 2019 that the NNPC would deliver all the country’s four refineries before the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

While appearing before the senate recently in July, Kyari boasted, “I can confirm to you, Mr Chairman, that by the end of the year, this country will be a net exporter of petroleum products.

“Specific to NNPC refineries, we have spoken to a number of your committees, and it is impossible to have the Kaduna refinery come into operation before December, it will get to December, both Warri and Kaduna, but that of Port Harcourt will commence production early August this year.”