The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised serious concerns over the prolonged delay in the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation of the 210,000 barrels-per-day Port Harcourt Refinery.
In a statement issued on Sunday, PETROAN urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to provide a specific and realistic timeline for the completion and commissioning of the refinery project.
The association noted that despite repeated assurances from NNPC officials, the rehabilitation project has consistently failed to meet set deadlines.
“We acknowledge the recent commencement of operations at the old Port Harcourt Refinery with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, but we must emphasize the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and swift completion of the second phase with a capacity of 210,000 barrels per day,” PETROAN stated.
Speaking to journalists, the National President of PETROAN, Dr. Billy Gillis Harry, stressed the significance of the refinery to Nigeria’s energy security and economic stability.
“The continuous delay in the completion of the Port Harcourt Refinery rehabilitation project is unacceptable. Nigerians deserve to know when this vital project will be completed,” Dr. The huge funds borrowed for this project must be accounted for, and we will demand transparency for every naira spent.”
PETROAN called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene by establishing a high-level panel comprising stakeholders such as NMDPRA, NUPENG, PENGASSAN, MEMA, DAPPMAN, and other industry experts. The panel, PETROAN said, should identify bottlenecks and ensure timely delivery of the project.
The association also highlighted concerns over the current leadership vacuum in the Port Harcourt Refinery, urging the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC to appoint a substantive Managing Director to steer the project forward.
“The absence of a dedicated MD is a major barrier to progress. We strongly recommend that this position be filled as soon as possible to provide the required leadership,” PETROAN added.
Dr. Harry emphasized that the refinery, located in Alesa Eleme, Rivers State, holds immense potential to boost domestic refining capacity, reduce fuel importation, and stabilize fuel prices across the country.
The association concluded by reiterating its call for immediate action to prevent further delays and economic strain on Nigeria.
