The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, has confirmed that rehabilitation work is underway at the 150,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) plant of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State.
The PHRC operates two plants: a 60,000bpd facility, which is already producing at 70% capacity, and a 150,000bpd plant currently under renovation.
Onanuga made this known after participating in a fact-finding visit to the 60,000bpd refinery on Wednesday. He addressed concerns about the refinery’s operations in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) titled “Putting to Rest Rumours about Port Harcourt Refinery Complex: Our Fact-Finding Mission”.
He stated, “Our team, guided by the refinery’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Onoja, toured the complex, including the computerized control room and the loading bay. We asked pointed questions and received satisfactory answers, dispelling our doubts and misconceptions.”
Regular Operations and Crude Supply
Addressing public skepticism, Onanuga clarified that the refinery is functioning steadily and receives consistent crude oil supplies. “Contrary to claims that it lacks crude to refine, the refinery is receiving regular supplies and is currently operating at 70% capacity, with plans to increase production shortly,” he said.
He also commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for its efforts in reviving what he described as a “dead asset on the verge of becoming a museum piece.”
Modernization of Facilities
Onanuga highlighted the modernization of the 60,000bpd facility, including upgraded equipment, replacement of parts not changed for 27 years, and the installation of 300km of new pipelines.
“The recent overhaul has transformed the refinery into a state-of-the-art facility, capable of meeting 21st-century standards,” he said.
Update on the 150,000bpd Plant
During the visit, the team also inspected the 150,000bpd co-located plant, commissioned in 1989. Onanuga noted that workers were busy dismantling outdated components and installing new ones.
“While no timeline was provided for its completion, there was confidence that it would soon become operational, joining the 60,000bpd plant,” he added.
Product Outputs
The operational refinery currently produces kerosene, diesel, low-pour fuel oil, liquefied petroleum gas, and petrol, blended for automotive use. Onanuga confirmed that the team tested samples of the refinery’s products during the visit.
The NNPCL had earlier announced in November that the Port Harcourt refinery commenced operations at 60% capacity, with plans to increase output. The combined capacity of the refinery complex is 210,000bpd.
Onanuga concluded, “This mission has buried doubts and lies about the refinery’s state. I commend the efforts to bring this vital national asset back to life.”