NNPC Projects Port Harcourt Refinery to Commence Oil Production in August

The Group Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has announced that the Port Harcourt refinery is set to commence oil production early in August. Kyari also indicated that the Kaduna and Warri refineries are expected to be ready for oil production by December, although they will not immediately start refining activities.

Kyari made these revelations while addressing the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Finance led by Senator Sani Musa on Monday. He emphasized the critical role of NNPCL and the oil sector in revitalizing Nigeria’s economy, attributing recent growth in oil production to strategic actions initiated by President Bola Tinubu.

“We are confident that with the Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Warri, and Dangote refineries operational, Nigeria will become a net exporter of petroleum products by December,” Kyari assured the committee.

He highlighted the expected contributions of these refineries, including the Dangote refinery, towards achieving Nigeria’s goal of becoming a net exporter. Kyari expressed optimism about the country’s prospects in the refining business and projected significant progress in domestic production by the end of the year.

“In summary, by December, Nigeria will be a net exporter of petroleum products, combining production from NNPC refineries, Dangote refinery, and other local producers,” Kyari affirmed.

The NNPC boss reiterated that while Kaduna and Warri refineries are slated to begin operations in December, the Port Harcourt refinery will initiate oil production as early as August, marking a pivotal step forward in Nigeria’s oil refining capabilities.