By Emmanuella Anokam
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has applauded the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) for bringing to life the moribund Port Harcourt refinery.
It’s Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu said this at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.
The 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) refinery, being managed by the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) on Tuesday began truck-out of petroleum products after years of being moribund.
“The refinery’s impressive operational capacity of 70 per cent is a testament to the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of the NNPC Ltd team, led by Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer.
“With ambitious plans to ramp up to 90 per cent capacity in the near future, this achievement represents a critical step towards stabilising the availability of petroleum products in Nigeria.
“The refinery’s daily output is equally impressive, boasting of 1.4 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
900,000 litres of Household Kerosene (HHK), 1.5 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 2.1 million litres of Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO).
“These remarkable production figures demonstrate the refinery’s vast potential to meet Nigeria’s burgeoning energy demands, ensuring the affordability and accessibility of essential resources for its citizens,” he said.
Akinlosotu said the resumption of operations at the refinery was a landmark achievement, poised to yield far-reaching benefits for Nigeria’s economy and energy security.
He said by re-streaming the refinery, NNPC Ltd had fulfilled its promise, with the first loading of petroleum products from the refinery after years of unsuccessful attempts.
“Additionally, we urge the NNPC Ltd. to work tirelessly towards revamping the Kaduna and Warri refineries, as this will further boost Nigeria’s refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products”.
According to him, this feat heralds a new era in Nigeria’s energy sector, marking a giant stride towards self-sufficiency in petroleum production and a substantial reduction in reliance on foreign imports.
The NNPC Ltd, he said, should continue to enhance its Corporate Social Responsibility, particularly in host communities, to guarantee hitch free production.
On revenue, Akinlosotu lauded the company for surpassing its revenue targets, reaching N14 trillion in 2024, and commended President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership in transforming the petroleum sector.
“The Council reaffirms our commitment to collaborating with the government, NNPC Ltd., and other stakeholders to ensure a bright and sustainable energy future for Nigeria”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)