While NNPCL Maintains Promises, Port Harcourt Refinery Misses Seventh Deadline To Resume Operations.

The Port Harcourt refinery has consistently been anticipated to commence operations by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on multiple occasions, none of which have materialized as of this report.

Amid the ongoing fuel supply challenges in Nigeria, the NNPCL has not fulfilled its numerous commitments to ensure the operational status of the nation's refinery. In July, Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, explicitly stated that the refinery would begin operations in early August. Previously, he had assured that the refineries would be operational before the conclusion of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in May 2023. The NNPCL has made promises regarding the commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt refinery on at least six occasions. The latest commitment came from Umar Ajiya, the Chief Financial Officer of the NNPC, who indicated that operations would start in September 2024. In response to an inquiry from legal expert Femi Falana, SAN, it was reported that the contractor responsible for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery would provide an update on the project's completion by or before October 2. This information was communicated through the law firm Olajide Oyewole LLP, following a letter from Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, who had sought clarification on the timeline for the refinery's rehabilitation. Falana had sent letters on September 17 and 24 regarding the contract with the NNPC. The law firm stated, “Our client is considering your letters and they intend to get back to you on or before 2 October 2024.” During a Senate appearance in July, Kyari also affirmed, “I can confirm to you, Mr. Chairman, that by the end of the year, this country will be a net exporter of petroleum products.” Regarding the NNPCL refineries, discussions have been held with several of your committees, and it has been determined that the Kaduna refinery cannot commence operations prior to December. Both the Warri and Kaduna refineries are expected to reach this timeline, while the Port Harcourt refinery is projected to begin production in early August of this year. It has been observed that the Nigerian government persists in importing refined petrol, amidst widespread public outcry concerning subsidy fraud, as the country's refineries remain inactive.