Timothy Mgbere, Secretary of the Alesa Stakeholders, has expressed scepticism about recent claims regarding the Port Harcourt refinery’s operational status.
Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Mgbere criticised the portrayal of the refinery’s status in the media, describing it as a “mere show” that did not reflect the on-ground reality.
Mgbere explained that only some units of the old refinery were operational and that the facility was functioning at a skeletal level.
He acknowledged that some progress had been made, stating, “I’ll give them the credit that, at least, they have started something. But not to say that, according to the chief Head of Corporate Communication of the NNPPC limited, they’ve put it on the media that they are already producing 1 million, 400,000 barrels per day.
“That’s not the case. That’s not true.”
According to Mgbere, the NNPC has been under pressure to present an image of full functionality to Nigerians. He stated that the celebration held at the Port Harcourt depot was misleading, as it was based on the release of old stock from the storage facility rather than new production.
“They released that stock and then loaded six trucks and then televised it to Nigerians that it is the production from the old refinery. That is not true,” he said.
Mgbere explained, “What was the true picture? The old Port Harcourt refinery is built with its own utility, different from the new Port Harcourt refinery, in terms of tank farm.
“The tank farm that is servicing the old Pot Harcourt refinery has a different loading gantry at the depot.
“The party they had on Tuesday was held at the new loading gantry that is directly connected to the new refinery.”
The community leader also criticised the choice of contractor for the refinery’s rehabilitation project, claiming that Maire Tecnimont SpA had allegedly subcontracted the work multiple times, leading to inefficiencies and delays.
He stated, “The crux of our problem for the rehabilitation of this Port Harcourt refinery started with the choice of the contractor to handle this rehabilitation project.”
Mgbere also pointed out that Tecnimont SpA had never engaged with the local community, which he viewed as a significant oversight.
“As a community, we have never had a single engagement with Tecnimont SpA. They have never come to visit the community to introduce themselves to say this is why we are in the community; this is the project we are handling; this is the benefit,” he stated.
Mgbere insisted on the need for a complete system audit to establish the true status of the refinery’s operations.
“Let it be clear here; no single product has moved from the Port Harcourt refinery area into the product reception area of the depot,” he concluded.
Energy expert Nick Agule, on his part, echoed Mgbere’s concerns, emphasising the need for greater transparency from the NNPC.
Agule called for journalists to be given access to the refinery to provide accurate reports on its operations.
“The NNPCL needs to do more with communication in a transparent manner to Nigerians,” he said.
The controversy arises amidst delays in the refinery’s rehabilitation, despite the engineering procurement and construction contract signed between the NNPC and Tecnimont in April 2021. Although the NNPC announced in December 2023 that the mechanical phase of the maintenance was complete, the refinery had yet to commence full production.
On Tuesday, NNPC stated that the old Port Harcourt refinery was operating at 70 per cent of its installed capacity, with plans to increase this to 90 per cent.
Frances Ibiefo
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