The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has applauded the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the successful operation of the revamped Port Harcourt refinery, which has now run non-stop for 180 days.
The refinery, which had been inactive for over two decades, underwent a major rehabilitation financed by a loan from Afreximbank and executed by Tecnimont Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Italy’s Maire Tecnimont Group. After its relaunch in November 2024, the facility has maintained steady production, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Joseph Obele, PETROAN commended Tecnimont Nigeria Limited for its “technical expertise and commitment to delivering a world-class rehabilitation.” The association also acknowledged the cooperation of host communities during the refurbishment process.
“Since its commissioning in October 2024, the refinery has operated without disruption for six months, a testament to the success of the rehabilitation efforts,” PETROAN stated. “Our members are currently loading diesel and kerosene from the facility, while NNPCL retail marketers distribute Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). This has not only stabilized product supply but also reduced the circulation of adulterated kerosene and diesel in the market.”
The association also praised the Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, Ibrahim Onoja, for his role in ensuring the refinery’s smooth operation.
PETROAN extended gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for securing funding for the project, as well as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, for his oversight. Special recognition was also given to NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, and NNPC Retail Ltd’s Managing Director, Hubb Stockman, for their leadership in managing and marketing the refinery’s output.
Additionally, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) was acknowledged for its regulatory role in maintaining safe and efficient refinery operations.
