Port Harcourt Refinery Shuts Down Again After $1.5bn Rehabilitation

The Port Harcourt Refining Company, recently celebrated for its $1.5 billion rehabilitation, has come under scrutiny once more as operations have ceased just weeks after its reopening. This development has raised concerns among stakeholders about the functionality and future of Nigeria’s refining capabilities.

A Return to Inactivity After Promising Start

Less than a month after its grand reopening on November 26, 2024, the Port Harcourt Refinery has halted operations. During a visit by our correspondent on December 19, the typically bustling depot was eerily quiet, with no sign of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) loading activity that had marked its recent resurgence.

Tanker drivers were seen idling, with many expressing skepticism about when operations might resume. One driver revealed that loading had ceased since December 13, while another lamented the lack of communication from management. This inactivity contrasts sharply with the fanfare that accompanied the Port Harcourt refinery’s relaunch, when the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) CEO Mele Kyari assured Nigerians of a revitalized facility capable of processing 60,000 barrels per day.

Port Harcourt Refinery:A $1.5bn Investment Questioned

The Port Harcourt refinery’s rehabilitation, funded with $1.5 billion approved in March 2021, was heralded as a turning point for Nigeria’s refining sector. The plant’s inauguration saw limited fuel lifting operations, with claims that as few as five trucks were loaded on opening day.

Critics, including petroleum marketer Mr. Dappa Jubobaraye, have described the reopening as a publicity stunt, alleging that no significant production has occurred since the inauguration. “They are not serious about making this place work. What we witnessed was merely a show,” Jubobaraye stated, noting that only three out of 18 loading arms are operational, and even those are plagued with leaks.

Frustration Mounts Among Stakeholders

The Port Harcourt refinery’s persistent challenges have frustrated stakeholders and operators. Jubobaraye disclosed that independent marketers have been unable to purchase products from the facility due to unresolved pricing issues. The limited capacity of the functional loading arms further compounds the problem, with only 10 to 15 trucks being serviced daily before operations halted.

Truck drivers echoed these sentiments, with many abandoning their posts after weeks of waiting without clarity. The downtime has not only impacted the availability of petrol but also delayed the introduction of other products like kerosene and diesel, vital for daily household and industrial needs.

NNPC Remains Silent Amid Criticism

Efforts to obtain clarification from NNPCL have been unsuccessful. Calls and messages to the company’s spokesperson, Femi Soneye, went unanswered as of press time. This lack of communication has left stakeholders speculating about the true state of the refinery and its prospects for resuming operations.

With this latest setback, questions linger over the effectiveness of the $1.5 billion investment and the government’s broader strategy for achieving self-sufficiency in refining petroleum products. As Nigerians grapple with the fallout, many are calling for greater transparency and accountability to ensure that the refinery fulfills its promise of bolstering local production.

Public Outrage and Social Media Reactions

The shutdown Port Harcourt; has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with Nigerians questioning the integrity of NNPCL’s leadership. Social media users like @RealityX criticized the repeated failures, stating, “When anticipated milestones are postponed repeatedly, project leadership loses credibility, with devastating consequences.” Another user, @DanielRegha, accused the NNPCL of making empty promises, asserting, “Nigerians could tell from the onset that it was an empty promise.”

Others have called for accountability from the government and NNPCL executives. @LordTelema demanded answers from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking, “What else is Mele Kyari lying about? Can we trust the figures from the NNPCL?” Meanwhile, @NwaFresh hinted at a larger conspiracy involving oil cartels, warning of potential revelations from the Dangote Refinery that could expose industry malpractices.

As the Port Harcourt refinery’s operations remain suspended, the $1.5 billion rehabilitation has become a symbol of failed expectations and questionable accountability. Stakeholders and citizens are calling for transparent investigations and sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s refining challenges. With trust in the NNPCL waning, the government must act swiftly to restore confidence in its energy policies and ensure that public funds are judiciously utilized.