The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) continues to make significant strides in Nigeria’s energy sector, with claims of non-production being firmly dismissed by the refinery’s host community and management. Dibia Isaiah, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Alesa Kingdom in Rivers State, along with other members of the Nigerian Petroleum Storage Company (NPSC), has categorically refuted accusations that the refinery has ceased operations.
Isaiah, who is actively involved in the refinery’s daily activities, affirmed that the Port Harcourt Refinery is fully operational, producing and distributing essential petroleum products. Addressing these false claims, Isaiah highlighted the ongoing loading of trucks at the facility, underlining that production is running smoothly and in full swing.
Reassurance of Operational Continuity
During a guided tour of the refinery on Sunday, Isaiah stated unequivocally that the refinery had not halted production, but instead had scaled down operations temporarily to address some technical issues and improve its capacity. He further explained that while production had been reduced in certain areas to facilitate upgrades, there had been no full shutdown, as some reports falsely suggested.
“Production is on,” Isaiah said, emphasizing that trucks were being loaded with products such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), kerosene, and diesel. On the same day, he personally loaded four trucks with products, a testament to the refinery’s active operations.
Dismissing Misinformation
Isaiah and other refinery officials have been vocal about the spread of false information regarding the refinery’s status. He accused some individuals and groups of attempting to undermine the hard work of the refinery’s management by circulating misleading claims that the facility was inactive. These rumours, according to Isaiah, were likely motivated by personal interests and did not reflect the reality of the refinery’s operational status.
He urged the Nigerian public to disregard these fabricated stories, assuring them that the refinery’s operations are not only ongoing but thriving. “The Rivers people are happy; Nigerians are happy,” he stated, urging people to focus on the positive impact of the refinery’s progress.
Significant Upgrades and Ongoing Production
Ibrahim Onoja, the Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the extensive upgrades carried out at the refinery to boost its performance. He emphasized that most of the refinery’s critical equipment, including pumps, instrumentation, and cables, had been replaced as part of a comprehensive revamp. “What we’ve done here is a significant upgrade of the facility,” Onoja confirmed.
Despite the temporary scaling down of operations to improve efficiency, the plant continues to truck out refined products daily. The Terminal Manager, Worlu Joel, reassured the public that there were no issues with the distribution process, confirming that over 10 trucks had already been loaded, and more trucks were expected to depart the facility before the end of the day.
The Port Harcourt Refinery’s operational capacity, although reduced temporarily, continues to contribute significantly to the nation’s fuel supply chain, helping alleviate the country’s reliance on imports.
The Role of Host Communities and Collaboration
The cooperation of the host community, including workers like Isaiah, has been critical in ensuring the refinery’s smooth operations. Community leaders have voiced their support for the ongoing improvements, noting that the success of the Port Harcourt Refinery is a win for both the local community and the nation at large.
During an engagement meeting with the refinery’s management, His Royal Highness Moses Theophilus, chairman of the KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (KHCDT), expressed his gratitude for the refinery’s efforts to support the community, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and human capital development. He praised the collaboration between the refinery and the host community, which has ensured a peaceful and productive working environment.
IPMAN’s Concern Over Fuel Prices
Despite the ongoing production at the refinery, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has raised concerns over the price of petrol produced at the Port Harcourt Refinery. According to IPMAN, if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) sells petrol from the refinery at a price of N1,030 per litre, this would be higher than the price offered by the Dangote Refinery.
IPMAN’s spokesperson, Chinedu Ukadike, stated that if the price is not revised, independent marketers would not be willing to purchase from the Port Harcourt Refinery and would instead seek cheaper sources of petrol. However, he also expressed hope that the NNPCL would review the pricing structure, making it more competitive with other refineries in the market.
Looking Ahead: A Unified Push for Progress
The successful resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery is a significant step towards achieving energy independence for Nigeria, reducing its reliance on fuel imports, and bolstering the local economy. While the facility has faced its share of challenges, the commitment of NNPCL’s leadership and the support of the host community have been pivotal in ensuring its continued success.
As the refinery continues to ramp up production and distribution, all eyes will be on the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate other refineries in the country. The Nigerian government, along with NNPCL and key stakeholders, remains focused on revitalising the country’s energy sector to support long-term economic stability.
The Port Harcourt Refinery’s achievements thus far serve as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s energy future, offering a glimpse of what can be accomplished through collaborative efforts, resilience, and innovation.
