Inauguration Overshadowed by Delays
The Port Harcourt Refinery, which resumed operations earlier this week, has hit a significant snag, with on-site activities grinding to a halt. A visit on Friday revealed an idle loading bay and workers citing ongoing calibration as the cause. Despite the fanfare surrounding its inauguration by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, reports suggest the refinery is yet to meet the expectations of Nigerians eagerly awaiting its full functionality.
“Dead Stock” Fuels Initial Operations
Sources within the refinery disclosed that the initial petrol distribution involved old stock left in storage tanks since the refinery’s shutdown in 2016. These products, described as “off-spec,” required separation from water and other contaminants. Workers confirmed that the process of cleaning the tanks and removing residual debris is still underway. This revelation has cast doubt on the refinery’s readiness to handle large-scale operations.
Skepticism from Industry Stakeholders
Despite promises of increased petrol truck loadouts, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. Workers reported minimal activity, with just a handful of trucks loaded during Kyari’s visit. Critics, including local residents and petroleum marketers, have expressed skepticism over the refinery’s capacity to meet Nigeria’s energy demands. A resident of Eleme, Rivers State, remarked, “The loading is happening more in the media than on-site.”
Calibration and Manual Processes Delay Progress
The reliance on manual operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery has been highlighted as a major limitation. Experts argue that modern refineries operate electronically to enhance efficiency and accuracy. A worker noted that the pumps used for the inauguration were refurbished, further emphasising the outdated infrastructure. Calibration of the loading pumps is expected to continue until next week, delaying the refinery’s ability to process and distribute refined products effectively.
Economic and Public Reactions
The delays at the refinery have sparked concerns about the broader implications for Nigeria’s economy. The refinery’s underperformance could exacerbate the nation’s reliance on imported petroleum products, increasing pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Public sentiment has also soured, with many questioning the transparency and accountability of the NNPCL in handling the refinery’s rehabilitation and operations.
Urgent Need for Strategic Overhaul
The situation at the Port Harcourt Refinery underscores the need for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s oil sector. Experts have called for increased investment in modernising refinery infrastructure and improving operational processes. Stakeholders also stress the importance of transparent communication to restore public confidence. Until these issues are addressed, the refinery’s ability to meet its potential remains uncertain.
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