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.