Tinubu Hails Mele Kyari’s ‘Unwavering Dedication’ On Port Harcourt Refinery Reactivation

President Bola Tinubu has hailed the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) headed by Mallam Mele Kyari on the commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery following the completion of renovation and modernisation of the facility.

THE WHISTLER reported that Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the NNPCL, supervised the ongoing rollout of about 200 trucks that started lifting Premium Motor Spirit (NNPC) from the facility on Tuesday.

President Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Kyari’s “unwavering dedication and commitment were instrumental in overcoming challenges to achieve this milestone.”

The president also acknowledged the efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari administration in initiating the rehabilitation of the project.

He expressed gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing the project.

The Port Harcourt Refinery, located at Alesa Eleme, comprises two operational units established in 1965 and 1989, with a combined installed capacity of 210,000 barrels per day.

The facility, which underwent a $1.5 billion renovation and modernisation process beginning in 2021, is expected to further reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products and alleviate foreign exchange pressures associated with fuel importation.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has directed NNPCL to expedite the reactivation of the second Port Harcourt refinery, as well as the Warri and Kaduna refineries.

Quoting Onanuga, “With the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, President Tinubu urges NNPC Limited to expedite the scheduled reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.

“These efforts will significantly enhance domestic production capacity alongside the contributions of privately-owned refineries and make our country a major energy hub, with the gas sector also enjoying unprecedented attention by the administration.

“The President underscores his administration’s determination to repair the nation’s refineries, aiming to eradicate the disheartening perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer that lacks the ability to refine its own resources for domestic consumption.

“Highlighting the values of patience, integrity, and accountability in the rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure, President Tinubu calls upon individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation. In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda focused on shared economic prosperity for all, the President reaffirms his administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and boosting export capacity for Nigeria.”