Fuel Scarcity: Sen. Ubah Assures Nigerians of Operational Refineries by 2024
Billy Gillis-Harry, the national president of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, recently provided insights into the status of the Port Harcourt Refinery after a visit to the facility. With a capacity to produce 250 barrels of oil per day, Gillis-Harry expressed optimism about the refinery’s readiness to commence significant production of petroleum products.
During an interview with the Daily Post, Gillis-Harry highlighted the critical role that both the Port Harcourt and Dangote Refineries will play in addressing Nigeria’s fuel shortages. He shared his personal observations from the visit, noting the extensive efforts underway to ensure the refinery becomes fully operational soon.
Oil and gas expert Zakka Bala also underscored the importance of reviving Nigeria’s government-owned refineries, including those in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, to ensure the country’s energy security. Bala pointed out that while private entities like the Dangote Refinery focus on profit, government refineries must prioritize the needs of the Nigerian public.
In July 2024, Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), announced that the Port Harcourt Refinery was expected to begin operations in August, following previous delays. This follows the Nigerian government’s 2021 approval of $1.5 billion for the refinery’s turnaround maintenance.
Recently, Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman of the Senate Committee investigating alleged economic sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry, called for an inquiry into the allocation and use of the $1.5 billion designated for the refinery’s maintenance.
News Editor