Nigerians may soon see a reduction in the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) embarks on a comprehensive overhaul of the Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries. This modernization effort aims to restore the facilities to global standards, boosting local production and saving foreign exchange.
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., Olufemi Soneye, announced the initiative, emphasizing the strategic importance of the project. “The rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries represents more than a routine upgrade,” Soneye stated. “It’s a complete transformation aimed at sustainable operations and meeting world-class benchmarks.”
Economic Benefits of Refinery Rehabilitation
Experts project that the revamped refineries will process up to 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) at the Port Harcourt facility and an additional 60,000 bpd at the Kaduna refinery. This local production capacity is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products, conserve foreign exchange, and drive economic growth in the oil and gas sector.
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The Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, previously disclosed that the Kaduna Refinery’s rehabilitation would commence by the fourth quarter of 2024. Already, the Port Harcourt Refinery resumed partial operations in November 2024, according to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
Addressing Doubts
The announcement comes amid skepticism expressed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He recently questioned the viability of the rehabilitation projects, citing past advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) that cast doubt on the Port Harcourt Refinery due to alleged corruption.
In response, Soneye extended an olive branch, inviting Obasanjo to visit the sites to assess progress. “We hold President Obasanjo in the highest regard and value his insights,” Soneye said. “His guidance remains invaluable as we rebuild Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.”
Transforming Nigeria’s Oil Industry
The NNPC’s refinery rehabilitation program is part of broader efforts to reposition the nation’s oil and gas sector. By focusing on domestic production, the initiative is expected to create jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and promote value addition.
“Revamping our refineries is a commitment to sustainable energy independence,” Soneye added. “We are confident that these projects will catalyze Nigeria’s economic transformation.”
As Nigerians await the completion of the modernization efforts, many hope this marks a turning point for the country’s energy sector, finally delivering on promises that have long eluded its people.
