The Niger Delta Youth Network (NDYN) has expressed deep frustration over the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) failure to commence fuel production at the Port Harcourt refinery, despite repeated assurances. The latest disappointment came after NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya, promised operations would begin in September 2024, but the refinery remains idle.
In a statement signed by Dakuku Francis, NDYN pointed to a larger, troubling pattern within the NNPCL, suggesting that a cabal is deliberately hindering progress to exploit the region’s crude oil producers. The group claims that the continued delays and lack of updates have only fueled suspicions of exploitation.
The Port Harcourt refinery, with a production capacity of 210,000 barrels per day, was expected to boost the country’s oil and gas sector. Rehabilitation work reached mechanical completion in December 2023, and the refinery was set to begin refining 60,000 barrels of crude daily. However, like many other promises, this has not materialized, leaving stakeholders increasingly distrustful of NNPCL’s transparency and accountability.
Francis emphasized the growing concern among Niger Delta youths, who view the delays as part of a scheme to maintain the status quo, where crude oil is exported for refining abroad, depriving the local economy of its benefits.
“The NNPCL’s lack of transparency and accountability has heightened tensions in the region. We are demanding immediate answers and action from the company,” Francis said. “The failure to provide a clear timeline for fuel production has created uncertainty and raised questions about the company’s commitment to our region’s development.”
The group also expressed alarm over potential environmental consequences. They warned that the use of harmful chemicals in blending imported fuel with local crude could worsen the Niger Delta’s already fragile ecosystem, further degrading biodiversity and water sources.
NDYN has called on the NNPCL to address the delays, ensure transparency, and prioritize the region’s well-being. They demanded a clear timeline for the refinery’s operation and regular updates on progress, stressing the importance of the region receiving fair treatment and economic benefits from Nigeria’s oil resources.
“The Niger Delta produces the majority of Nigeria’s crude oil, and we deserve equitable treatment and benefits,” Francis stated. “The NNPCL must reconsider its actions, prioritize environmental sustainability, and ensure that the region reaps the rewards of its natural resources.”
NDYN urges the NNPCL to break its silence and engage with regional stakeholders to resolve the lingering issues surrounding the refinery.
