The Federal Government revealed on Thursday the successful mechanical completion of the rehabilitation work on Area-5 Plant at the Port Harcourt Refining Company in Rivers State. The first phase of the plant, which concluded on December 20, 2023, is set to refine 60,000 barrels of crude oil after the Christmas break.
With 170 liters of refined petroleum products obtainable from a barrel of crude oil, this production capacity is expected to yield approximately 10.2 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and other refined products.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the refinery’s manager, disclosed that the second phase, expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2024, will further enhance the facility’s capacity to refine 150,000 barrels of crude daily.
The government anticipates a reduction in the importation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (cooking gas) following the refinery’s resumption of refined product production after the Christmas break.
The rehabilitation project, costing approximately $1.5 billion, has been ongoing for over two years, with the NNPCL aiming to complete phase one by December 31, 2023. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, expressed satisfaction with the mechanical completion and flare start-up, heralding the refinery’s operational commencement.
The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, highlighted the production of cooking gas, signaling a potential reduction in its importation. The NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, praised the completion of the first phase, with the second phase expected to conclude in 2024.
The rehabilitation project aims to extend the refinery’s operational lifespan, providing economic benefits, job creation, revenue generation, and energy security for Nigeria. The milestone was achieved with a strong Health, Safety, and Environment record, recording over 9.5 million man-hours with zero Loss Time Injury.