Port Harcourt Refinery Resumes Operations

The Port Harcourt Refinery has officially commenced crude oil processing as of November 26, 2024. This significant development was announced by Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The refinery is currently operating at 60% capacity, with an expected output of 60,000 barrels per day (bpd).

This milestone comes after numerous delays in starting operations. Soneye emphasized that this achievement marks a new chapter for Nigeria's energy sector, highlighting its potential to enhance energy independence and stimulate economic growth. He extended congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the NNPCL leadership for their dedication to this project. 

In addition to commencing crude processing, truck loading operations have also begun today, indicating a move towards distributing the refined products. The operationalization of the Port Harcourt refinery is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria's reliance on imported petroleum products, which has historically cost the nation over $2 billion annually.