PETROAN Commends Tinubu, Kyari for Resuming Operations at Port Harcourt Refinery After Six-Year Dormancy

The national leadership of the Petroleum Products Retail outlet owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has commended President Bola Tinubu and Group Chief Executive officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Alhaji Mele Kyari for the commencement of oil production and loading at the Port Harcourt refinery, in Rivers State.

The NNPCL had yesterday, in a ceremonial event commenced crude oil processing from the Port Harcourt refinery plant and delivery of petroleum products into the market.

THISDAY observed that the event was witnessed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), NNPCL GMD, Kyari, Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), and PETROAN.

Others petroleum regulators at the event were Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), others. 

Speaking with THISDAY, the national spokesperson of PETROAN, Dr Joseph Obele said the commencement of operation at the refinery is an evidence of incredible leadership skills and commitment.

Obele credited the success of the revamping project to the funding determination of President Tinubu, stressing that the event which brought smile on people’s faces “was a clear indication of Joy arising the commencement of loading after a six years dormant state.”

PETROAN led by Dr Billy Harry expressed optimism that the commencement of production at the refinery will usher in job opportunities, boost the economy and trigger competition at the downstream sector which will reflect significantly to a price downward review.

“PETROAN reaffirms her commitment to synerging with the management of NNPC Retail management and other stakeholders in ensuring that products lifted at the Port Harcourt refinery depot are well distributed to all the nooks and crannies of the nation at the right time with the right price.”

Obele who dismissed the assumption that it could be a one-off loading at the refinery, said “We went round and the plant is up and running. As we speak, all the tanks are filled up with petroleum products. 

“The benefit of what has happened today (Tuesday) is the fact that era of monopoly is gone, competition will now be set in. Who chose to buy from Dangote will buy from Dangote, who chose to buy from NNPCL that commenced today can buy from NNPCL”, Obele added.

He however, commended the host Alesa Eleme, other communities for the peaceful corporations given during the rehabilitation and called on the management of RCC handling the East West road to ensure speedy completion of the Eleme East West road for smooth movement of truck carrying petroleum products due to the hazardous and flammable nature of the products.

Earlier, during his speech at the event, the NNPCL boss described the commencement of the load-out activities as a monumental achievement for Nigeria which signifies a new era of energy independence and economic growth for the country.

The GCEO thanked President Tinubu, for his support and understanding towards the rehabilitation project and for his persistence to ensure energy security for the country.

Kyari also expressed appreciation to the NNPC Ltd. Board of Directors and the entire staff for their support and commitment, which he said crystallised into the streaming of the refinery. 

He also commended the contractors for doing a great job in ensuring that the refinery is delivered despite all challenges and thanked Nigerians for their patience and the legitimate expectations on the company to deliver on the other refineries.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed congratulated the NNPC Ltd. for the milestone and assured of the agency’s continued support towards the completion of rehabilitation work at the other refineries.

THISDAY noticed a long queue of petroleum trucks waiting to be loaded with products at the refinery.

Blessing Ibunge

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