Work Ongoing on Second 150,000b/d Port Harcourt Refinery, Set to Become Operational Soon — Presidency

The Nigerian Presidency has confirmed that work is progressing on the second 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) refinery at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State, with the facility expected to become operational soon. PHRC currently operates two refineries: a 60,000 bpd plant and a 150,000 bpd plant.

In a statement titled “Putting to Rest Rumours about Port Harcourt Refinery Complex: Our Fact-Finding Mission,” Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, reassured Nigerians about the state of the 60,000 bpd refinery, which has recently undergone revitalization. Onanuga emphasized that although the refinery is not yet operating at full capacity, it is currently running at 70% of its installed capacity, with plans for further production increases.

Onanuga, who participated in a fact-finding mission to the Port Harcourt refinery, stated that the team, led by the refinery’s Managing Director Ibrahim Onoja, thoroughly inspected the facility, including the computerized control room and loading bays. The team confirmed that the refinery is receiving regular crude supplies and is producing a range of petroleum products, such as kerosene, low-pour fuel oil, LPG, diesel, and gasoline.

During the visit, Onanuga noted the significant improvements made to the refinery, including the replacement of outdated parts and the installation of new equipment, bringing the facility up to modern standards. Some of the 300km of new pipelines were also upgraded, and components that had not been changed in 27 years were replaced. These upgrades have transformed the refinery into a state-of-the-art facility.

Onanuga also mentioned that work is ongoing at the second refinery located on the same site, which was commissioned in 1989. Workers are replacing old and worn-out parts with new ones, and while no official timeline was provided for its completion, there is growing confidence that the second refinery will soon be operational, joining its 60,000 bpd counterpart.

The update comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding the revival of the 60,000 bpd refinery. Mele Kyari, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), previously stated that the second refinery is expected to be operational by mid-2025. Onanuga commended the NNPCL and refinery teams for bringing the once-dilapidated facility back to life, dispelling doubts about the refinery’s operations and confirming that it is well on its way to full functionality.