The Senate Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the Turnaround Maintenance of Nigeria’s Refineries has announced that the Port Harcourt Refinery is set to become operational by the end of this year.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the committee’s chairman, affirmed this during a courtesy visit to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Governor Fubara emphasised his administration’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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He stressed the strategic significance of the refinery to the revival of both the federal and state economies.
“When the refinery restarts production, there will be petroleum products available locally, reducing the need for imports. This will bolster the economy and increase internally generated revenue, allowing for more state projects,” the Governor elaborated.
Senator Ubah outlined the committee’s mission, following their visit to the Warri Refinery in Delta State. “We recall that the old Port Harcourt Refinery, established in 1965 and its counterpart in 1989, have not been in active operations for a long time. With the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President and the determination of Nigerians, our Senate led by Senator Godswill Akpabio resolved to ensure that Nigeria’s refineries are operational to decrease dependency on imported petroleum products,” Uba stated.
Governor Fubara also stressed the cooperative spirit necessary for governance, affirming his administration’s unwavering focus on delivering for the people of Rivers State.
“We have no issues; our eyes are on the ball to deliver for our people. We have the interest of our people at heart, and that is why they gave us the mandate to govern them,” Fubara remarked.
The Senators were reminded of the peaceful and hospitable nature of the state, with encouragement to interact freely for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders involved.
Governor Fubara added, “We are almost completing the bridge on the Woji-Aleto-Alesa-Refinery Road, which is about 70 per cent completed. This will help decongest and reduce commuter troubles along the East-West Road while providing easy access straight to the refinery.”
In a statement by Nelson Chukwudi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fubara emphasized the importance of the refinery’s revival to the economies, both federal and state.
He highlighted its potential to reduce import dependency, bolster the economy, and increase internally generated revenue, facilitating more state projects.
The announcement of the expected operational status of Port Harcourt Refinery at the end of this year represents a significant stride towards achieving self-sufficiency in petroleum products and revitalizing the refining capabilities of the nation. This will be in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s objectives.