Hardship hits marketers as P’Harcourt refinery shutdown lingers
Port Harcourt refinery bulk petroleum retailers have called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently release funds needed for the completion of repair works at the old Port Harcourt refinery, which has remained shut beyond its scheduled reopening date.
Dealers decried the economic hardship they currently face as a result of the prolonged shutdown of the plant, urging the Federal Government to revive the facility.
This comes amid recent revelations by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, that the government’s investments in its refineries were not yielding the desired results.
It also followed a doubt by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, that the refineries may never work again despite $18bn spent on their maintenance.
Addressing a press conference, the Chairman of the Host Community Bulk Petroleum Retailers Association, Mike Amadi, condemned the failure of NNPC to reopen the refinery that was shut down on May 24 for a 30-day repair work.
“We, the Port Harcourt refinery bulk petroleum retailers association, bring to the attention of the public the concerning delay in the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery. The old Port Harcourt refinery was shut down on May 24, 2025, for a scheduled 30-day repair.
“Unfortunately, it has been 60 days, and the refinery remains non-operational. This prolonged delay has had a devastating impact on the economy and business activities in and around the host communities, exacerbating the already challenging economic environment,” he said.
Amadi called on Tinubu to wade into the matter, saying the delay might undermine his administration’s transformative efforts.
“We respectfully, yet urgently, call on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in this matter, as the delay may irreparably undermine his administration’s transformative agenda for Nigeria,” he said.
Making the association’s requests known, Amadi sought the immediate release of funds, the restart of production and enough crude supply.
“We humbly, yet emphatically, submit three critical requests to Mr President, while also bringing this matter to the attention of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC.
“Ensure timely funding for contract execution to facilitate project completion and prevent further delays. We advocate that the Old Port Harcourt refinery commence production by early August 2025, to revitalise the economy and alleviate the suffering of our people.
“Ensure a stable crude oil supply for refinery startup, to prevent future disruptions and guarantee sustainable operations,” the group requested.
Recall, however, that manufacturers, marketers and many Nigerians have asked the Federal Government to sell off the refineries.
