…call for President Tinubu’s intervention
The delay in the completion of the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery is causing serious concern for the petroleum products retailers and the host communities.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the Eleme and Okrika Host Community Bulk Petroleum Retailers Association said the prolonged delay in the completion of the project has already taken a devastating toll on the economy and business activities in and around the host communities.
The statement was signed by High Chief Sunny Know ( Leader of the Delegates), Chief Zephaniah Sample (Okrika Community Coordinator), Dick Obelley, Dr. Joseph Obele, Mr. Promise Ochen and Pst. Tekena Ikpaiki.
They expressed disappoinment that the old refinery (Area 5) which NNPCL shut down on May 24 for a 30-day rehabilitation has not been completed.
“Unfortunately, it has been 60 day, and the refinery remains non-operational,” the statement said.
“We respectfully yet urgently call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in this matter as the delay may irreparably undermine the administration’s transformative agenda for Nigeria.
“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 (Oil) and the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL: “Immediate Release of Funds: Ensure timely funding for the contract execution to facilitate project completion to prevent further delays.
“Restart Production: We advocate that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery (Area 5) commences production by early August 2025 to revitalize the economy and alleviate the suffering of our people.
“Guarantee Crude Oil Supply: Ensure a stable crude oil supply for the refinery startup to prevent future disruptions and guarantee sustainable operations.”
