Tinubu’s energy sector reforms and re-streaming of Port Harcourt refinery – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

We acknowledge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR unwavering commitment to reforming and transforming the petroleum sector which marks a significant milestone in our economic recovery. The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) is delighted to extend our felicitations to the Board of NNPCL, led by Chief Pius Akinyelure, and its management, led by Mallam Mele Kyari, for the successful commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC).

The resumption of operations at PHRC is a landmark achievement, poised to yield far-reaching benefits for Nigeria’s economy and energy security. By re-streaming the refinery, NNPCL has fulfilled its promise, with the first loading of petroleum products from the refinery after years of unsuccessful attempts.

This feat heralds a new era in Nigeria’s energy sector, marking a giant stride towards self-sufficiency in petroleum refining and a substantial reduction in reliance on foreign imports.

The Port Harcourt Refinery’s impressive operational capacity of 70% is a testament to the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of the NNPCL team, expertly led by Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Mallam Mele Kyari with ambitious plans to ramp up to 90% capacity in the near future. This achievement represents a critical step towards stabilising the availability of petroleum products in Nigeria.

The refinery’s daily output is equally impressive, boasting of:

1.4 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
900,000 liters of Household Kerosene (HHK)
1.5 million liters of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO)
2.1 million liters of Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO)

These remarkable production figures demonstrate the refinery’s vast potential to meet Nigeria’s burgeoning energy demands, ensuring the affordability and accessibility of essential resources for its citizens.

The NCSC commends the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for surpassing its revenue targets, reaching an impressive N14 trillion this year. This achievement marks the highest revenue recorded by the company, alongside the successful re-streaming of the Port Harcourt refinery.

The council lauds the efforts of all contributors to this success, especially President Tinubu, whose visionary leadership has been instrumental in transforming the petroleum sector. NCSCN remains optimistic that this achievement will drive further progress, and prosperity, ensuring energy security for Nigeria.

Furthermore, the council encourages NNPCL to continue enhancing its corporate social responsibility, particularly in host communities, to guarantee hitch-free production.
Additionally, we urge NNPCL to work tirelessly towards the resumption of refining at the Kaduna and Warri refineries, as this will further boost Nigeria’s refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.

The council reaffirms our commitment to collaborating with the government, NNPCL, and other stakeholders to ensure a bright and sustainable energy future for Nigeria.

We heartily congratulate all Nigerians on this remarkable achievement, while commending the tireless efforts of the NNPCL Board led by Chief Pius Akinyelure, and the visionary Group Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Mele Kyari, that have been highly instrumental in revitalising the Port Harcourt refinery.

Let us take this opportunity to urge the general public to appreciate and acknowledge the progress and development of our great nation, as the age-old adage reminds us, “Rome was not built in a day”. This wise saying encourages us to be more patient and recognize that meaningful transformation takes time.

We equally enjoin critics to ensure that their criticisms are factual, constructive, and geared towards fostering positive change. It is essential to acknowledge that disparaging our nation is counterproductive and benefits no one. Let us all work together to promote a culture of optimism, hope, and collective progress.

Thank you, and God bless.

Blessing A. Akinlosotu,
Executive Director
For: the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria {NCSCN}