Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has praised the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for fulfilling its promise to revive the Port Harcourt refinery. The facility, which began operations on Tuesday, is set to significantly enhance Nigeria’s refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.
Port Harcourt Refinery Operations
The revamped refinery boasts an installed production capacity of 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day. According to an NNPC statement, it is currently operating at 70% of its capacity with plans to scale up to 90% in the near future.
The refinery is producing:
- 1.4 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol) daily.
- 900,000 litres of Kerosene per day.
- 1.5 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO or diesel) per day.
- 2.1 million litres of Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) per day.
- Additional volumes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Approximately 200 trucks are expected to transport these products daily from the refinery, ensuring a steady supply to meet domestic demand.
Peter Obi’s Reaction
In a statement, Peter Obi congratulated the NNPC on this milestone, describing it as a positive step toward improving Nigeria’s energy sector. He emphasized the potential benefits of the refinery’s operations on the economy, including:
- Boosting productivity across industries.
- Enhancing transportation systems with improved fuel availability.
- Reducing economic burdens on citizens by potentially lowering pump prices.
However, Obi also stressed the need for transparency and accountability in managing the nation’s oil resources.
“Nigerians deserve clarity and accountability regarding the management of the nation’s vital oil resources. It is crucial that the benefits of increased refining capacity reach every Nigerian and that these gains support long-term development,” he stated.
Kaduna Refinery Revival
Peter Obi also welcomed news of the ongoing revival of the Kaduna refinery, describing it as another promising development. Once operational, the refinery is expected to:
- Increase domestic refining capacity.
- Improve fuel distribution across the country.
- Support economic growth and reduce reliance on imported fuels.
Obi called for the NNPC to prioritize operational transparency to ensure these benefits are maximized for all Nigerians.
The Bigger Picture
With the Port Harcourt refinery back online and the Kaduna refinery on its way to revival, Nigeria could be entering a new phase in its energy sector. These efforts are expected to strengthen the local economy, reduce fuel scarcity, and potentially stabilize fuel prices.
However, achieving these goals will depend on maintaining transparency, efficient management, and ensuring that the gains are equitably distributed.
Conclusion
Peter Obi’s call for transparency underscores the importance of effective governance in Nigeria’s oil sector. While the commencement of production at the Port Harcourt refinery is a welcome development, the onus remains on the NNPC to ensure these advancements translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
As the country anticipates the ripple effects of these developments, there is hope that they will contribute to a more stable and sustainable energy landscape.
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