Port Harcourt Refinery 90% Ready for Restart, NNPC Cautioned on Viability

The Port Harcourt Refinery, reported to be 90% ready for operations by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), could potentially restart within a week pending approval from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). PENGASSAN President Festu Osifo disclosed this information, highlighting the technical readiness of the facility.

However, NNPC Limited's Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, has expressed concerns about the viability of the refinery, citing the billions of dollars required for repairs. The refinery, part of a rehabilitation program to enhance Nigeria's domestic refining capacity, was officially reopened in November 2024 but faced operational challenges leading to a suspension in May 2025.

Despite progress in the refurbishment, NNPC Limited remains cautious about restarting operations due to economic factors affecting profitability. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) data indicates the refinery's intermittent operations.

PENGASSAN emphasizes the importance of ensuring the refinery's restart aligns with long-term profitability goals.