The Port Harcourt Refinery shut down less than a month after its much-anticipated reopening, following a $1.5 billion rehabilitation.
Inaugurated on November 26, 2024, by Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) CEO Mele Kyari, the refinery was expected to usher in a new era of energy production in Nigeria.
On December 13, 2024, the refinery stopped lifting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. The usually bustling loading bay became eerily quiet, with 18 trucks parked along the access road and nine in the parking yard. This abrupt shutdown raised serious doubts about the rehabilitation project’s success and the refinery’s ability to meet Nigeria’s fuel demands.
During the reopening ceremony, NNPC announced the loading of over 200 trucks with petrol. However, reports contradicted this claim, revealing fewer than 10 trucks had actually been loaded. Allegations emerged that the petrol lifted during the inauguration came from old stock stored in tanks.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria attributed the reduced operations to meter calibration and the removal of water from old fuel supplies.
Despite assurances from refinery management and a brief resumption of loading, the plant has halted operations once again. Truck drivers linger at the facility, uncertain about when activities will resume. This prolonged shutdown has fueled public skepticism and criticism. Many stakeholders question the state of Nigeria’s refineries and the transparency surrounding the rehabilitation process.
The Nigerian government and NNPC now face mounting pressure to resolve these issues and ensure the refinery operates efficiently. As it remains inactive, doubts grow about the Port Harcourt Refinery’s ability to contribute to Nigeria’s energy independence.
