The Port-Harcourt Refinery yesterday roared back to life after shutting down for five years.
The resumption of production was applauded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who said this development would rekindle hope of efficient fuel supply.
A statement by the Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, showed President Tinubu’s excitement at the development.
It reads, “President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the successful revitalisation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, marked by the official commencement of petroleum product loading on November 26.”
The President also ordered the reactivation of Warri and Kaduna facilities to enhance effective supply.
The Port-Harcourt plant would operate at 60 per cent installed capacity, with 200 trucks loading petroleum products daily, Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Mallam Mele Kyari, said.
The resumption was after several failed attempts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to restart the plant.
Speaking during a brief ceremony to mark the commencement of products loading at the refinery, Kyari described the load-out activities as a monumental achievement for Nigeria.
He said: “We are going to see loading today. I just want to add that without leadership support, you cannot achieve results like this. And we are convinced beyond all doubt that without the support, perseverance, and patience of Mr. President, we would not have achieved this fate.
“And all of us must congratulate him because it is his massive pressure that made us come to this level. And we are very happy. And I congratulate my colleagues in the refinery and outside the refinery, our contractors, and even our regulators for helping us and supporting us coming to this level.
“It is possible. This country, this refinery has shown that with persistence, with the right focus, with the right leadership support, which we have today, that we know that anything is possible. And this country is going great under the leadership of President Tinubu.”
