The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is set to conclude test runs at the Port Harcourt refinery this month, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to resume operations at the facility, which has been non-operational for five years.
NNPC spokesperson Femi Soneye confirmed that the testing phase is nearing completion, emphasizing its importance in ensuring the efficient operation of the refinery. The Port Harcourt refinery, currently undergoing an upgrade, will initially process 60,000 barrels per day. The NNPC anticipates reaching its full operational capacity of 210,000 barrels per day later in the year.
The Port Harcourt refinery is part of the Nigerian state-owned refineries that have been inactive for an extended period. The government has been actively working to revitalize these refineries, aiming to reduce the country’s dependence on imported refined products.
This development signals a positive stride towards enhancing the domestic refining capacity, contributing to Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in the production of refined petroleum products. As the testing phase concludes, expectations are high for the full-scale operation of the Port Harcourt refinery, aligning with broader objectives to strengthen the nation’s energy infrastructure.
