The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announces that the Presidents of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, have inspected and verified the operational status of the Old Port Harcourt Refinery.
Ajaero of NLC and Osifo, together with other union representatives, visit the renovated refinery on Monday to confirm its operation and the calibre of its petroleum output, according to an official release from NNPCL.
“The Nigerian Labour Congress, led by Joe Ajaero, and the Trade Union Congress, led by Festus Osifo, confirm that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is operational and producing high-quality petroleum products. During their inspection, they verify its rehabilitated state and ability to meet production standards,” the statement reads.
Their confirmation follows a recent update from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which reports the refinery has resumed production.
Key Details
On November 26, 2024, the Port Harcourt Refinery resumes operations after undergoing rehabilitation. The facility currently operates at 70% capacity, producing 1.5 million liters of diesel and 2.1 million liters of Pour Fuel Oil daily.
However, concerns emerge about its operations, with allegations that the refinery blends “Cracked C5 petroleum resins” with Naphtha instead of refining crude oil. NNPCL clarifies that blending is a standard industry practice.
Located in Alesa, Eleme, the refinery also faces scrutiny from community members. Timothy Mgbere, a local leader, claims the products dispatched are stored outputs from previous years and alleges only six trucks are loaded daily, despite initial projections of 200 trucks.
The refinery’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Onoja, confirms that full operations have resumed. He explains that earlier reductions in activity are due to ongoing improvements rather than a halt in production.
NNPCL confirms that the refinery runs effectively and resolves issues to guarantee operational transparency.
