Editor
Press Statement
The Centre for Social and Economic Rights (CSER) has commended Mallam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and his management team for the operational revival of the Old Port Harcourt Refinery.
The refinery has resumed petroleum product production for local consumption, ending decades of unfulfilled expectations.
In a statement issued in Lagos and signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Ekujumi, CSER noted that the refinery is currently operating at 70% capacity, with expectations to ramp up to 90% in the near future. The group celebrated this milestone as a long-awaited breakthrough, attributing the success to the effective leadership of Mallam Kyari. They expressed optimism that other national refineries in Warri, Kaduna, and the new Port Harcourt facility would soon follow suit.
CSER also praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its resilience, focus, and commitment to reforms in the oil industry, which were initiated under former President Muhammadu Buhari. These reforms have resulted in the successful rehabilitation of the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, despite skepticism and opposition from certain quarters. The organization urged the government to continue supporting NNPCL to ensure the swift revival of other dormant refineries.
The group highlighted the economic benefits of the refinery’s reopening, commending President Tinubu for achieving this milestone within just 18 months of his administration. They emphasized that the revival of the refinery represents a significant step towards ending Nigeria’s longstanding reliance on imported refined petroleum products, calling it a “historic feat” with a positive impact on the economy.
“The operationalization of the Port Harcourt Refinery marks a turning point for Nigeria’s downstream oil sector, aligning with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which advocates market-driven petroleum product supply,” the statement read. CSER also noted that the refinery’s revival complements efforts by the Dangote Refinery, modular refineries, and other national facilities, which are expected to come online soon.
However, the organization condemned what it described as orchestrated campaigns of blackmail and misinformation by anti-democratic elements seeking to undermine this achievement. CSER expressed dismay over false claims regarding the pricing of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the refinery. It commended NNPCL and other stakeholders for promptly debunking these falsehoods, urging Nigerians to seek credible information and resist divisive narratives.
CSER concluded by encouraging citizens to remain steadfast in their commitment to national progress, rejecting the influence of individuals or groups spreading misinformation for personal or political gain.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
