The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has urged the Federal Government to partner with reputable international firms to manage the Port Harcourt Refinery effectively. This call, made on September 21, 2025, aims to expedite the facility’s rehabilitation, ensuring a stable supply of petroleum products nationwide.
In a detailed statement, PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Joseph Obele, commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited for engaging UOP, a renowned American engineering firm, to assess the refinery’s condition.
This evaluation, initiated in early September 2025, is seen as a critical step toward a potential Technical and Equity (T&E) partnership. PETROAN’s National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, noted that a similar model has proven successful at the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) facility in Bonny, yielding operational efficiency and economic gains.
PETROAN emphasized the importance of a transparent and swift process, free from political interference. “We advocate for an open approach to ensure the refinery’s revival benefits all Nigerians,” the statement read.
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Delays in the $1.5 billion rehabilitation project, ongoing since 2021, have caused significant job losses among tanker drivers, union workers, and local communities. In August 2025, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) voiced frustration, demanding urgent action or leadership changes at NNPC.
It bears mentioning that the engagement of UOP signals a commitment to informed decision-making and sustainable investment. PETROAN believes a successful partnership could enhance fuel availability, stabilize prices, and boost Nigeria’s economy.
The association remains optimistic that such collaboration will restore the refinery’s full capacity, addressing long-standing challenges in the petroleum sector.
