For the sixth time, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has postponed the much-anticipated launch of the Port Harcourt refinery, raising further concerns about the country’s energy infrastructure and the reliability of its refining capabilities.
Initially slated to commence operations in 2021, the refinery’s kick-off has faced multiple delays due to various technical, financial, and logistical challenges.
This latest delay has added to the growing frustration among industry stakeholders and the public, who are eager to see the refinery operational to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
NNPC has not provided a new specific launch date, but sources within the organization suggest ongoing repairs and upgrades are taking longer than expected. Mele Kyari, the Group CEO, announced in July that the refinery would be operational by early August. Kyari had previously stated in 2019 that NNPC would complete all four refineries before the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.
Speaking before the Senate in July, Kyari claimed, “By the end of the year, this country will be a net exporter of petroleum products.”
However, as August approaches its midpoint, the refinery has yet to commence operations, creating concerns of another failed promise from NNPC.
In response to inquiries, NNPC reiterated that it was on course despite the early August promise expiring.
The Port Harcourt refinery, once operational, is expected to have a capacity of refining 210,000 barrels of crude oil per day, significantly boosting domestic fuel production and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
However, with repeated delays, questions about the refinery’s viability and NNPC’s ability to manage such large-scale projects are becoming increasingly pronounced.