The Port Harcourt Refinery is already functioning, according to confirmation from Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
Early on Thursday, Onanuga posted on his X account that he and a group had visited the refinery on Wednesday to check on its condition.
Despite the management’s declaration that crude oil processing had resumed, there were reports raising doubts about the facility’s operational status, which prompted this inspection. Following years of dormancy, the Port Harcourt Refinery formally resumed operations on November 26.
However, Nigerians’ cynicism regarding its rebirth was stoked by worries expressed by several stakeholders.
Following the inspection, Onanuga denied rumors that the refinery was not operational and reassured Nigerians that it was.
Ibrahim Onoja, the refinery’s managing director, gave the team a tour of the facility during the visit. Although the refinery is not yet running at full capacity, Onanuga said he is pleased with the progress made and that preparations are in place to boost output. The refinery is now operating at 70% of its installed capacity.
“On Wednesday, I was a member of a fact-finding team that went to the Port Harcourt Refining Complex, which produces 60,000 barrels per day. I’ll now present our results. I’m happy to say that our goal was to confirm the rumors that were going around regarding the refinery’s condition, and we were delighted with what we observed.
“Under the direction of Ibrahim Onoja, Managing Director of the refinery, our team explored the entire complex, including the loading bay, computerized control room, and all areas in between. Our uncertainties and misunderstandings were allayed when we posed insightful questions and got appropriate responses.
“Nigerians should disregard skeptics and misleading information regarding the refinery’s activities. Although it isn’t operating at full capacity right now, it is operating at 70% installed capacity, and production is expected to rise soon. In addition, despite assertions that it does not have enough crude to refine, the refinery regularly receives supply of petroleum.