The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria has complimented the Federal Government and the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited for apparently running the renovated Port Harcourt refinery for 180 days non-stop.
The refinery, which had been dormant for almost 20 years, was refurbished using a loan secured from Afreximbank and implemented by Tecnimont Nigeria Limited, a part of the Maire Tecnimont Group.
It was reactivated for operations in November 2024.
In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Joseph Obele, PETROAN complimented Tecnimont Nigeria Limited “for their professionalism and expertise in delivering a world-class rehabilitation project.”
The group also complimented the host towns for their cooperation and support during the reconstruction project.
“The refinery, which was 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 said in a statement.
It said, “PETROAN is pleased to note that its members are currently loading diesel and kerosene from the refinery, while NNPCL retail marketers are loading PMS. This achievement has not only ensured a stable supply of petroleum products but has also helped to eradicate the circulation of phony kerosene and diesel in the market.”
PETROAN also complimented the managing director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, Ibrahim Onoja, for his efforts to ensuring the effective rehabilitation and operation of the refinery.
PETROAN wishes to extend special appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for making funds available for the rehabilitation of the refinery; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, for his supervision and guidance throughout the rehabilitation process; the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, for his leadership and commitment to the project; and the Managing Director of NNPC Retail Ltd, Hubb Stockman, for the effective marketing of all the products from the refinery.”
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority was also acknowledged for its regulatory oversight and support in ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of the refinery.
