On Thursday, August 8, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) informed the public that the Port Harcourt Refinery is expected to resume operations within the next four weeks, potentially enabling the government to meet its August deadline for producing petroleum products.

Furthermore, IPMAN indicated that the refinery will have the capacity to supply approximately 10 to 12 million liters of petrol to marketers.

The National Operations Controller of IPMAN, Zarma Mustapha, revealed in a recent televised interview that the upcoming refinery will significantly enhance the nation’s petroleum product supply, potentially reaching 11 to 15 million liters daily. This development is expected to ensure widespread energy availability.

Mustapha emphasized that the refinery will operate autonomously and adhere to prevailing market prices, minimizing governmental intervention.

There is a prevailing notion that the Port Harcourt Refinery will operate autonomously and set its prices based on current market conditions to recoup its expenses. It will not function as a government-operated entity as it has in the past.

I am convinced that the reactivation of the refinery will significantly enhance the demand and supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), potentially reaching between 11 to 15 million liters per day. I remain confident and optimistic that the deadline set for August will be achievable, and the refinery will commence operations, producing all the essential products it is designed to manufacture.

However, instead of receiving the news with enthusiasm, Nigerians were rather skeptical considering the fact that several of such promises had been made in the past without any of them coming to fruition.

A segment of the society described the development as a harvest of promises with unending deceptions.

Some are of the opinion that the latest promise which is about the fourth in the series could still go the way of the previous ones, even as others have volunteered to give the government the benefit of the doubt.

Recall that earlier, Nigerians were told that the refinery would start operations in December 2023.

 

The Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, had previously expressed optimism regarding the December 2023 deadline. However, the deadline passed without any tangible progress or communication.

On Thursday, March 13, 2024, Nigerians were once again informed that the Port Harcourt Refinery would be operational within the following two weeks.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, provided assurances to the Nigerian public that the Port Harcourt Refinery, which has undergone rehabilitation, will resume operations within the next two weeks. This revelation was made during an interactive session with the Senate.

Kyari reaffirmed the company’s commitment to adhering to the established delivery date for the Port Harcourt Refinery and other refineries, emphasizing the importance of meeting these deadlines.

As stated by Olufemi Soneye, the spokesperson for NNPCL, Kyari emphasized the commitment to fulfilling the promises made regarding the rehabilitation of the refineries. He noted that the mechanical completion of the Port Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC) was achieved in December.

"We have already stored crude oil in the facility, which is currently undergoing regulatory compliance tests prior to its re-commissioning. I assure you that this refinery will commence operations within the next two weeks," Kyari remarked.

Regarding the Warri Refinery, he mentioned that mechanical work has also been completed, and it is presently undergoing necessary regulatory compliance processes in collaboration with the relevant authorities.

He projected that the Kaduna Refinery would be operational by December of this year, although it has not yet reached that phase. He expressed confidence that it would be ready as scheduled.

Kyari further indicated that since the mechanical completion of the Port Harcourt refinery in December of the previous year, it has received 450,000 barrels of crude oil for processing. He urged all stakeholders to cooperate in the rehabilitation efforts, stating, "We are all dedicated to serving this nation. Nigerians must recognize that we will gradually accomplish this task."

Additionally, the statement mentioned that the Senate Ad-hoc Committee is anticipated to visit the three refineries located in Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt shortly for an on-site evaluation of the progress made.

It is noteworthy that the two-week deadline concluded in April, during which the refinery did not produce any petrol, a fact that did not surprise many Nigerians, as skepticism surrounded the initial announcement.

On Monday, May 20, Chief Ukadike Chinedu, the National Public Relations Officer of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria, assured the Nigerian populace that the Port-Harcourt Refinery, with a capacity of 210,000 barrels per day, would finally begin operations by the end of July, following numerous delays. He emphasized that this development would invigorate economic activities, lower the prices of petroleum products, and guarantee a sufficient supply.

However, July passed without the refinery becoming operational, and the Nigerian public remained largely indifferent, having not taken the announcement seriously from the outset.

Consequently, the recent claim that the PH Refinery would be operational within four weeks did not elicit enthusiasm among Nigerians.

For many, this has turned into a cycle of unfulfilled promises. It has become a common refrain to hear that refineries, whether in Port Harcourt, Warri, or Kaduna, would soon be functional.

Since the All Progressives Congress (APC) assumed power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015, there have been repeated assurances regarding the turnaround maintenance of the Port Harcourt Refinery and others, yet none have materialized.

These statements have largely been perceived as deceptive political rhetoric aimed at misleading the Nigerian populace

On Thursday, Mustapha, the National Operations Controller of IPMAN, announced that the PH Refinery is set to commence operations in four weeks, signaling the government's intention to eliminate fuel importation.

However, this announcement did not generate much enthusiasm, as many individuals expressed doubt, recalling previous unfulfilled promises.

Opinions on this development vary widely. Some individuals outright dismissed the announcement as mere political rhetoric, while others, despite the lack of positive outcomes from similar promises in the past, expressed a willingness to give the government a chance this time.

Critics of the announcement likened it to a typical political campaign promise, suggesting that it is as implausible as politicians vowing to construct bridges in areas devoid of rivers.

Conversely, those inclined to offer the government the benefit of the doubt argue that even habitual deceivers may eventually choose to be truthful.

They believe that the government may have resolved to adopt a more responsible approach this time around.

One of the advocates urging Nigerians to extend trust to the government this time is Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the president of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF).

He expressed a desire to maintain optimism; however, he understands the skepticism of those who doubt the government's assurances, particularly in light of past commitments regarding the same refinery that yielded no favorable outcomes.

He remarked, “The issue with these promises lies in the fact that we have a government that often contradicts itself, and previous pledges have been made and broken without any fulfillment. Consequently, even if this current promise is sincere, many individuals will harbor significant doubts.”

He continued, “It is essential that the government remains consistent in its statements; inconsistency will only place them in a defensive position, as they will be compelled to make promises without any tangible actions to back them up.”

Shettima urged the government to approach Nigerians with honesty and integrity, cautioning that persistent dishonesty would inevitably incite public anger, which is detrimental to society.

“The more the government misleads the public regarding the refinery, the greater the public's frustration will become. Therefore, I believe it is crucial for the government to fulfill its commitments this time.”

He emphasized his own belief in the potential for positive change, stating, “I am not among those who doubt that progress is possible; I remain hopeful and firmly believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. All that is required is for the government to recalibrate its approach to be more transparent and truthful with Nigerians.”

He acknowledged the gravity of the situation, asserting that the government must take all necessary measures to ensure the refinery and other initiatives succeed in the country.

Additionally, he advised leaders to refrain from making excuses, as they were fully aware of the circumstances prior to assuming office.

We find ourselves in a pivotal moment where it is essential for individuals to recognize that the current situation is untenable.

Furthermore, the government has a responsibility to take action, as they were aware of the issues prior to assuming leadership. In this regard, it is our duty to support them and encourage transparency with the Nigerian populace, enabling us all to endure this challenging time.

However, Nze Ezeocha, a journalist and public affairs analyst, does not share the optimistic outlook regarding the recent commitment.

He remarked that last year, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, assured Nigerians that the refinery would be operational before Christmas.

"Christmas has come and gone, and upon reminding them of their commitment, they provided a new timeline, which also failed to materialize.

"Currently, we are presented with yet another assurance regarding the same refinery.

This marks the fourth occasion on which the NNPCL and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources have informed Nigerians that the PH Refinery would commence operations within weeks. Ultimately, however, nothing has come to fruition.

"In my view, this latest assurance is likely to follow the pattern of its predecessors. We have observed the ongoing disputes between the NNPCL and the Dangote Refinery.

"Dangote continues to assert that it has not received sufficient crude from the NNPCL. Nigerians deserve clarity regarding the nature of the agreement between Dangote and the NNPCL.

"Furthermore, Dangote has requested that the NNPCL be instructed to ensure that the IOCs sell their crude to him.

Did he not make proper arrangements for securing crude supplies prior to establishing a refinery? "The entire situation surrounding oil refining in Nigeria is enveloped in secrecy and misinformation, and it would be in the best interest of all citizens for the government to be transparent about these matters," he stated.

Dr. Pogu Bitrus, the president of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), shares a similar perspective with Ezeocha.

He expressed skepticism regarding the promise, asserting that it is unlikely to yield any results. He contends that the prevailing Nigerian mindset remains unchanged and cautions against fostering any expectations surrounding the promise, as it may lead to unnecessary disappointment.

"We engage in propaganda across the board. Everything is politicized. The President need not inform us that the Port Harcourt Refinery is progressing when it is not genuinely on track.

This administration should adopt a different approach. When circumstances are unfavorable, instead of seeking political advantage through falsehoods, they ought to present the true state of affairs to the Nigerian people," he remarked.

He further stated, "There is no merit in misleading the public.

Transparency will earn them greater respect, rather than the misguided belief that deception is a form of political strategy. Such actions only serve to undermine their integrity, and the trust of Nigerians will diminish rapidly."

Additionally, IK Onodi, a legal expert and public commentator, expressed skepticism regarding the refinery's potential to become operational within a fortnight.

He noted that similar assurances had been made previously, all of which failed to materialize, leading him to withhold belief until he witnesses the refinery actually commencing its refining activities. He stated, “It is often said that actions speak louder than words.

Last year, when the Dangote Refinery was inaugurated, we were informed it would begin production by July. Now, nearly nine months later, not a single drop of crude oil has been processed at the Dangote Refinery.

We have repeatedly been assured that the Port Harcourt Refinery and others would soon be operational. If I were in the government, I would refrain from making any announcements until the refinery is actively producing.

Once that occurs, I would inform Nigerians that the output is from the Port Harcourt, Warri, or Kaduna Refineries. Until I see it, I remain unconvinced.”

Chief Dipo Lanre, an independent petroleum marketer, expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of the refinery becoming operational within the promised four-week timeframe.

While he refrained from completely dismissing the possibility, he conveyed significant doubts about the feasibility of this commitment, particularly in light of previous assurances that failed to produce any tangible outcomes. "I sincerely hope that this time the promise will be realized. It should not follow the pattern of earlier commitments concerning the refinery.

"Recall that during Olusegun Obasanjo's administration, the Port Harcourt Refinery was sold to Mike Otedola and Aliko Dangote, only for the funds to be returned to them later. Since that reimbursement, the refinery has remained inactive, marked by a series of unfulfilled promises.

It has become a persistent issue within Nigerian society. "I am weary of the political maneuvering surrounding the refinery. Politicians have exploited it for political gain since the Obasanjo era.

What is the significance of a refinery, after all? "What is so challenging about constructing a refinery? Since the return of democratic governance in 1999, we could have established more than four refineries if there had been genuine intent.

For nearly 25 years, we have engaged in political games concerning the refinery. Let us not endure another cycle of deception this time," he added.