A stakeholder in Nigeria’s petroleum sector has commended ongoing efforts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to revive the Port Harcourt Refinery through a proposed joint venture arrangement with a Chinese technical partner.
Speaking to our correspondent in Port Harcourt, Dr. Joseph Obele, National Public Relations Officer of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), described the development as a strategic step toward restoring the refinery’s operational capacity and strengthening Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
According to him, a Chinese technical team is currently at the refinery carrying out facility assessments, feasibility studies and technical evaluations aimed at determining the plant’s current condition, including a review of its assets and liabilities ahead of a possible management partnership.
Obele noted that the initiative appears consistent with the approach being pursued by the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, which he said may mirror the equity partnership structure adopted by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG). Under such an arrangement, private investors could assume operational responsibility while government retains equity participation.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that the process remains transparent, technically driven and free from political interference, adding that credible investors with proven operational capacity should be prioritised.
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The stakeholder also commended host communities around the refinery for maintaining peace, noting that stability in the area would help attract investment and ensure smooth project implementation.
He encouraged communities to engage constructively with investors and negotiate mutually beneficial agreements, citing examples of community benefits linked to Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals operations.
Obele expressed optimism that a successful partnership could create employment opportunities, stimulate economic activities, enhance government revenue and improve energy security.
He further urged NNPCL management to expedite the process, noting that many Nigerians are eager to see the refinery fully operational.
Commenting on earlier calls by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for outright sale of the refinery, Obele suggested that a joint venture structure may offer a more balanced alternative to full privatisation, allowing professional management while preserving national equity.
Dr. Obele, who is also a lecturer at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Port Harcourt, reaffirmed the need for collaborative efforts among government, investors and host communities to ensure the refinery’s successful revival and long-term sustainability.
