Oil marketers, under the aegis of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), have commended the Federal Government and the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for successfully operating the revamped Port Harcourt refinery for 180 consecutive days.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Joseph Obele, PETROAN praised Tecnimont Nigeria Limited for their professionalism and expertise in delivering a world-class rehabilitation project.
The association also expressed appreciation to the host communities for their cooperation and support throughout the rehabilitation process.
“The refinery, which was commissioned in October 2024, has now been running continuously for 180 days, up until March 2025. This is a remarkable achievement that highlights the success of the rehabilitation project,” PETROAN said in the statement.
The association further noted, “PETROAN is pleased to report that its members are currently loading diesel and kerosene from the refinery, while NNPCL retail marketers are loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). This development has not only ensured a consistent supply of petroleum products but has also contributed to eliminating the circulation of counterfeit kerosene and diesel in the market.”
Having been dormant for over 20 years, the refinery was revitalized with a loan from Afreximbank and executed by Tecnimont Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the Maire Tecnimont Group. The refinery was officially relaunched in November 2024.
PETROAN also extended its commendation to Ibrahim Onoja, the Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, for his dedication to the successful rehabilitation and operation of the refinery.
The association acknowledged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for its regulatory oversight and support in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the refinery.
PETROAN further extended its special appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for making funds available for the refinery’s rehabilitation, to Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), for his supervision and guidance during the process, to Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, for his leadership and commitment to the project, and to Hubb Stockman, the Managing Director of NNPC Retail Ltd, for his effective marketing of the refinery’s products.
