NNPC Begins Overhaul Kaduna, Second Port Harcourt Refineries

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced that the Port Harcourt Refinery, with a capacity of 150,000 barrels per day (bpd), and the Kaduna Refinery are undergoing extensive rehabilitation to achieve world-class operational standards.  

This was revealed in a statement issued by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., in response to remarks made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo regarding the progress of the refineries’ rehabilitation efforts.

NNPC clarified that the ongoing refurbishment of the 60,000 bpd Port Harcourt and Warri refineries is more than standard Turnaround Maintenance (TAM). Instead, it involves a complete overhaul to elevate the facilities to meet international benchmarks.

Former President Obasanjo had expressed scepticism about the functionality of the rehabilitated Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, citing past advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which reportedly questioned the economic viability of the Port Harcourt Refinery due to concerns over corruption.

In response, Soneye highlighted that the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries is a significant milestone achieved under NNPC Ltd.’s current leadership. He also noted that similar revamp projects are ongoing at the second Port Harcourt Refinery and the Kaduna Refinery.

Soneye reiterated NNPC Ltd.’s unwavering commitment to restoring these refineries to global standards to ensure sustainable and efficient operations.

Soneye invited former President Obasanjo to visit the rehabilitated refineries to witness firsthand progress and improvements and dispel any lingering doubts.

“We extend an invitation to our esteemed former president to join us in this historic journey. 

“His wisdom and experience are invaluable, and we deeply appreciate his insights and guidance, which will always be welcomed and cherished. 

“We hold President Olusegun Obasanjo in the highest regard as a respected statesman who has made significant contributions to the growth and progress of Nigeria. 

“His dedication to national development and his right to speak on national importance are both deeply respected,” Soneye stated.

In 2023, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, announced the ongoing rehabilitation of the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemicals Company (KRPC), which is scheduled to commence by the fourth quarter of 2024.

In November 2024, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) announced the successful resumption of production at the Port Harcourt Refinery.

The rehabilitation and operation of Nigeria’s refineries reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, saving foreign exchange and boosting local production. These refineries stimulate economic growth, and drive value addition within the oil and gas sector.