The much-anticipated resumption of activities at the Port Harcourt Refining Company has come to a standstill, leaving Nigerians disheartened as no significant operations are ongoing. A visit to the refinery on Friday revealed an idle site, despite earlier claims that petrol trucks were loading daily.
Activity Comes to a Halt
Workers at the refinery disclosed that operations were paused due to calibration processes. One worker, speaking anonymously, explained, “They are calibrating the meters, and the loading bay is inactive. This might last until next week.”
Earlier in the week, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari, inaugurated the facility, claiming it was loading 200 trucks daily. However, insiders revealed that the loaded trucks contained “dead stock,” leftover products stored before the refinery shut down in 2015/2016.
Inside the Refinery’s Challenges
An official explained that the dead stock included old Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Diesel (AGO), and Kerosene (DPK). “These products were stored during the refinery’s rehabilitation. The petrol is off-spec and must be separated from water before it can be used,” he said.
The source further criticized the refinery’s outdated systems. “Globally, refineries operate electronically, but what they’re doing at Port Harcourt is manual. Most pumps used for the inauguration were refurbished,” he added.
During Kyari’s visit, seven trucks were reportedly prepared for loading, but only five were filled. By Friday, the loading bay, equipped with 18 slots, remained empty, and only nine trucks were seen parked idly.
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
Residents of nearby Alode in Eleme Local Government Area expressed skepticism. Osaro, a local resident, remarked, “After the ceremony with Mele Kyari, where they claimed operations had resumed, everything went quiet. The refinery is only working on social media and newspapers.”
Dr. Joseph Obelle, the National Public Relations Officer of the Petroleum Product Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), confirmed the ongoing calibration. “They are calibrating the loading pumps, and it should be completed by today,” he assured.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Petroleum visited the facility on Thursday for a tour. However, the outcome of their visit has not been made public.
NNPC Defends Refinery Operations
In response to growing criticism, NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye denied claims that the refinery was non-functional. He stated, “The old and new Port Harcourt refineries share a single terminal for product load-out. Storage tanks and loading gantry used by the new refinery can also receive products from the old refinery.”
Soneye dismissed allegations by a local leader, Timothy Mgbere, as “sheer mischief and ignorance.”
Public Skepticism Grows
Despite reassurances from officials, the refinery’s inactivity has raised doubts about the government’s ability to deliver on its promises. With calibration expected to continue into next week and production uncertain, Nigerians are left questioning when tangible results will emerge from the Port Harcourt Refinery.
The halted operations cast a shadow over hopes for reduced dependence on imported fuel and highlight the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s quest for energy independence.
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