The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has praised the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for successfully operating the revamped Port Harcourt refinery non-stop for 180 days.
The refinery, which had been inactive for over 20 years, was rehabilitated with funding from Afreximbank and executed by Tecnimont Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the Maire Tecnimont Group. It was relaunched in November 2024.
In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Joseph Obele, PETROAN commended Tecnimont Nigeria Limited for delivering a high-quality rehabilitation project and acknowledged the support of host communities during the process.
“The refinery, commissioned in October 2024, has been running continuously for 180 days, up to March, a remarkable feat that underscores the effectiveness of the rehabilitation project,” PETROAN stated.
The association also noted that its members are currently loading diesel and kerosene from the refinery, while NNPCL retail marketers are distributing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). This, it said, has helped stabilize petroleum supply and curb the circulation of adulterated products.
PETROAN further lauded the Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, Ibrahim Onoja, for ensuring the refinery’s smooth operation. It also extended appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing funds for the rehabilitation, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri for his supervision, NNPCL Group CEO Mele Kyari for his leadership, and NNPC Retail Ltd Managing Director Hubb Stockman for effective product marketing.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority was also recognized for its regulatory oversight in maintaining the refinery’s safe and efficient operation.
