With just one month after the commencement of operations at the 60,000-barrel-per-day-old Port Harcourt Refinery, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Monday announced that the 125,000-barrel-per-day Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company (WRPC) in Warri, Delta state, has also commenced operation.
Group Chief Executive Officer NNPCL Mele Kyari announced this during a tour of the facility in Warri.
In a video posted by Channels TV Monday, Kyari was shown addressing a tour team, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.
Shortly before the commencement of the tour, Kyari had explained that the inspection was to demonstrate to Nigerians the level of work done so far.
While saying the repairs on the facility were not yet 100 per cent complete, he, however, said operations had commenced in earnest.
“We are taking you through our plant. This plant is running. Although it is not 100 per cent complete, we are still in the process. Many people think these things are not real. They think real things are not possible in this country. We want you to see that this is real,” said Kyari.
The facility which is situated in Ekpan, Uwvie, and Ubeji, Warri, produces 13,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTA) of polypropylene and 18,000 MTA of carbon black.
The petrochemical plant which was commissioned in 1978 and managed by NNPCL was built to supply markets in the southern and southwestern regions of Nigeria.
NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, had said the mechanical completion of the facility was initially scheduled for the first quarter of 2024.
“Warri should be done by Q1 (first quarter) 2024,” Soneye stated.
The facility is one of Nigeria’s four refineries which include the old and new Port Harcourt Refining Company in Rivers state, and the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company in Kaduna state.
…Tinubu lauds development
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed joy at the re-opening of the WRPC, describing it as another remarkable achievement in 2024 that has strengthened Nigerians’ hope in his administration.
“Today, the Warri Refinery returned to operation weeks after NNPC Limited restarted the 60,000 Barrels per day at the Port Harcourt Refinery in November.
“With Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) going into operation after several years of inactivity, President Tinubu has once again expressed his administration’s determination to ramp up local refining capacity and make Nigeria a hub for downstream industrial activities in Africa.
“The All Progressives Congress-led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari awarded the contract for the complete rehabilitation and overhaul of the four state-owned refineries,” the president said.
President Tinubu noted with confidence that with the 125,000 (bpd) Warri Refinery now operating at 60% capacity, his administration’s comprehensive plan to ensure energy efficiency and security is entirely on course.
He praised the Mele Kyari-led management of the NNPCL for working hard to restore Nigeria’s glory and pride as a major oil-producing country.
“The restart of Warri Refinery today brings joy and gladness to me and Nigerians. This will further strengthen the hope and confidence of Nigerians for a greater and better future that we promised. This development is a remarkable way to end the year following the feat recorded earlier with the old Port Harcourt Refinery. I am equally happy that NNPC Limited is implementing my directive to restore all four refineries to good working condition.
“I congratulate Mele Kyari and his team at NNPCL for working hard to restore our national pride and make Nigeria a hub for crude oil refining in Africa,” Tinubu said.
He urged the NNPCL to accelerate repair work on Kaduna Refinery and the 150,000 (bpd) second refinery in Port Harcourt to consolidate Nigeria’s position as a global energy provider.
WRPC will focus on producing and storing critical products, including Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and heavy and light Naphtha.
…NUPENG too
Also, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has commended the successful re-streaming of the erstwhile moribund refinery, saying it’s a significant milestone in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
In a statement signed by its President, Prince Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG lauded the leadership and commitment of the Kyari-led NNPCL for the feat.
“On behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) and the entire membership of NUPENG, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, and the management of the NNPCL on the successful re-streaming of the Warri Refinery and Petrochemicals Company after several years of dormancy.
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the transformative agenda of President Tinubu’s administration in the Oil and Gas Industry. The revival of the Warri Refinery marks another significant milestone, instilling renewed confidence and optimism within the sector.”
NUPENG pledged to continue its collaboration with stakeholders to advance the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
“We look forward to sustained progress and cooperation in our shared mission to enhance the sector,” the statement concluded.
The union’s endorsement underscores the growing optimism in the industry as Nigeria’s refineries gradually return to operational capacity,” the statement said.
