The Senate Ad-Hoc Committee to Investigate the Turnaround Maintenance of Nigeria’s Refineries has announced that the Port Harcourt Refinery is expected to commence operations before the end of December. This disclosure was made during a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by the committee led by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Governor Fubara expressed his administration’s commitment to aligning with the Federal Government’s policies, particularly the Renewed Hope Agenda led by President Bola Tinubu, aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians. He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the Woji-Aleto-Alesa-Refinery Road, designed to enhance access to the Port Harcourt Refinery and alleviate traffic congestion on the East-West Road.
Emphasizing the role of governance in facilitating ease of living for citizens, Governor Fubara commended the Senate Committee’s investigation, noting its potential to positively impact Nigerians. He underscored the importance of reviving the refinery, which would lead to increased availability of petroleum products locally, reduced importation, economic growth, and enhanced internally generated revenue.
Addressing challenges and potential distractions, Governor Fubara urged respect for authority and emphasized the priority of serving the people’s interests above political interests. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to governance devoid of bitterness and focused on the well-being of its citizens.
In response, Senator Ubah outlined the committee’s mission to assess the progress and readiness of the old and new Port Harcourt Refineries for operations. He expressed confidence in the significant progress made, indicating that the refinery upgrade and rehabilitation are nearing completion, with operations anticipated to commence by the year’s end.
The statement also highlighted the conflicting dates previously provided by the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) regarding the refinery’s operationalization, emphasizing the committee’s determination to ensure transparency and compliance with contractual obligations.