NNPC Refutes Claims on Port Harcourt Refinery Operations: Setting the Record Straight
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed allegations made by Timothy Mgbere, Secretary of the Alesa Community Stakeholders, concerning the recent resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery.
Mgbere, during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, alleged that the refinery’s truck-out operations involved petroleum products from old stock rather than newly refined products. He further insinuated that the refinery’s activities were misleading and lacking transparency.
In response, NNPC Ltd, through its Spokesperson Olufemi Soneye, issued a statement on Friday describing Mgbere’s assertions as a “crass display of ignorance” and providing detailed clarifications to dispel the misinformation.
Addressing the Allegations: Fact vs. Fiction
11. Refinery Operations and Integration
Soneye explained that the Port Harcourt Refinery consists of two integrated refineries that share essential utilities, including power, storage tanks, and a unified terminal for product loading.
Mgbere’s claim that old stock was being loaded from the refinery contradicted his assertion that the old refinery was non-functional. NNPC questioned how products from a non-operational facility could be moved to a shared terminal for loading.
“These contradictions highlight the lack of understanding and misrepresentation of facts,” Soneye noted, emphasizing that both refineries are operationally linked and functioning in tandem.
22. Production Capacity Clarified
Another claim by Mgbere suggested that the refinery was producing 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd), a figure grossly misaligned with reality.
NNPC clarified that:
- The nameplate capacity of the Port Harcourt Refinery is 60,000 barrels per day (bpd).
- Currently, the refinery is operating at 90% throughput, which translates to the production of various refined products, including:
- 1.4 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) (derived from Naptha).
- Other products such as diesel and kerosene are also being refined.
“This operational capacity demonstrates significant progress and aligns with the strategic goal of meeting local demand and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products,” the statement added.
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NNPC’s Appeal to the Public
NNPC urged the general public to disregard Mgbere’s claims, labeling them as baseless and driven by either misinformation or deliberate mischief.
“We call on the general public to disregard the claims of the self-acclaimed ‘community person,’ which are obviously borne out of sheer mischief and a blatant display of ignorance,” Soneye emphasized.
The company reiterated its commitment to transparency, operational efficiency, and the revitalization of Nigeria’s refineries to meet the nation’s energy needs.
Port Harcourt Refinery: A Step Forward
Earlier this week, NNPC announced that the Port Harcourt Refinery had commenced operations at 70% capacity, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to restore local refining capabilities. This development is part of a broader strategy to rehabilitate the nation’s refineries and reduce the importation of petroleum products.
As NNPC continues to ramp up operations, the focus remains on achieving full capacity utilization, improving product quality, and ensuring the stability of fuel supply across the country.
Conclusion
The Port Harcourt Refinery’s operational progress represents a critical step towards energy self-sufficiency in Nigeria. While misinformation may arise, NNPC’s transparent communication underscores its dedication to providing accurate information and fostering public trust.
As the refinery continues to scale up its operations, the public is encouraged to seek verified information and disregard unfounded claims that could undermine the nation’s energy sector reforms.
