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.
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.
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.
Dare Olawin