The excitement that accompanied the resumption of activities at the Port Harcourt Refining Company earlier this week has given way to doubt, as the reality on the ground appears far from the promises made.
A visit to the refinery on Friday revealed no significant activities at the site. Workers at the facility stated that the refinery is undergoing calibration processes, which may extend until next week.
Despite the inauguration of a new plant at the refinery by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Melee Kyari, on Tuesday where it was claimed that 200 petrol trucks were loading daily insiders allege that the trucks were filled with old, pre-existing stock from storage tanks.
An official, who preferred anonymity, disclosed that the trucks were loaded with “dead stock”—refined products left over in storage tanks from before the refinery’s shutdown in 2015/2016. These products, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), kerosene, and diesel, are reportedly not suitable for immediate commercial use and require further processing.
“After these dead stocks are exhausted, the tanks must be cleaned and debris removed before any new products are introduced,” the source explained, adding that many of the processes at the refinery remain outdated and manual, contrasting with global standards of electronic operations.
During the visit, most machinery remained dormant, with nine trucks parked idle, and workers at the site appeared disengaged. Loading bays, numbered 1 to 18, were observed to be deserted, and some workers attributed the delay to ongoing de-watering and meter calibration processes.
“They are calibrating the meters,” a worker confirmed. Another added, “Maybe there will be loading after that, but we don’t know when.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Taken Ikpaki, had expressed optimism about the facility’s operations, predicting an increase in truck loading activity. However, instead of a rise in operations, the number of trucks has reportedly dwindled.
Residents near the refinery expressed skepticism about the announced resumption. Osaro, a resident of Alode in Eleme Local Government Area, remarked sarcastically, “Loading seems to be happening only on the pages of newspapers and social media.”
The National Public Relations Officer of the Petroleum Product Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Dr. Joseph Obelle, confirmed that calibration of the pumps is ongoing and reassured that activities would resume soon.
“They are calibrating the loading pumps. They should finish today,” Obelle stated.
As Nigerians await concrete results from the promises made regarding the Port Harcourt Refinery, the discrepancy between official statements and on-ground realities continues to fuel skepticism, leaving questions about the refinery’s readiness to fulfill its much-anticipated role in Nigeria’s oil sector.
