The Port Harcourt Refinery, one of Nigeria’s key oil refining facilities, has officially resumed crude oil processing, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to revitalize its energy sector. This development was confirmed by Olufemi Soneye, spokesperson for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), during a press briefing on Tuesday.
According to Soneye, the refinery has begun operations at 60% capacity, currently processing 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The Port Harcourt Refinery, which boasts a combined refining capacity of 250,000 barrels per day, is expected to gradually ramp up its output in the coming months.
This long-awaited breakthrough follows several missed deadlines and years of public criticism over delays in refurbishing Nigeria’s refineries. The resumption of crude oil processing is seen as a crucial step toward reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products and alleviating the economic strain caused by high fuel prices.
Stakeholders and industry experts will be closely monitoring the refinery’s performance in the weeks ahead, as its success could bolster Nigeria’s energy independence and contribute to economic stability.
