News
Nigerians now in limbo as Port Harcourt Refinery stops operations
Nigerians are now in confused state as operations at the Port Harcourt Refining Company which started operations earlier this week has suddenly stopped operations .
A visit to the refinery on Friday revealed a lack of activity, with workers on-site attributing the lull to ongoing calibration processes expected to continue into the following week.
The refinery, which has experienced numerous delays in its rehabilitation and operational relaunch, was inaugurated on Tuesday by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari.
During the event, it was announced that 200 trucks of petrol were being loaded daily.
However, skepticism arose after reports suggested that the trucks were loaded with old stock from storage tanks rather than newly refined products.
During the visit to Area 5 of the facility, there were no visible signs of production. An anonymous official disclosed that the trucks had been filled with “dead stock.”
“Before the refinery was shut down between 2015 and 2016, we had leftover products, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and Automated Gas Oil (AGO). These were stored in large quantities in the tanks and later evacuated during the refinery’s rehabilitation,” the official explained.
The source added that much of the petrol was off-spec, requiring water separation and further treatment to render it suitable for use.
“For the kerosene, it remains in the tank post-refinement and hasn’t been moved to commercial distribution channels,” he said. “What was loaded were old stocks still in the system. Once these are cleared, the tanks will be cleaned, and the new product will be introduced.”
The worker criticized the refinery’s reliance on manual processes, calling for a transition to automated systems.
“What they’re doing now is manual, which doesn’t align with modern digital pump systems. Many of the pumps used during the inauguration were refurbished,” he noted.
Kyari’s Tuesday visit reportedly saw the preparation of seven trucks, though only five were loaded with petrol.
During the inauguration, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria Chairman Taken Ikpaki had expressed optimism about increased truck activity in the coming days. However, rather than an uptick, the number of trucks has decreased.
By 1:30 p.m. on Friday, our correspondent observed idle workers and stationary trucks. Nine trucks were parked, but the loading bays, numbered 1 to 18, were deserted.
“They are removing water from the PMS,” a worker in overalls said. “Maybe there will be loading later, but we’re not sure when.”
Another employee cited calibration of the meters as the cause of the delay.
Sources revealed that ongoing calibration might extend through Monday, with kerosene and diesel loading anticipated to start thereafter.
Local residents expressed frustration over the lack of progress. A resident of Alode, Eleme Local Government Area, identified as Osaro, commented, “After all the ceremony with Kyari, they continued ‘loading’ only in the media.”
Dr. Joseph Obelle, spokesperson for the Petroleum Product Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, attributed Friday’s inactivity to calibration efforts.
“They are calibrating the pumps and should finish today,” Obelle said.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Petroleum toured the refinery on Thursday, but findings from the visit have not been disclosed.
Efforts to reach NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye for comments were unsuccessful. However, the NNPC has dismissed claims by a local community leader, Timothy Mgbere, who alleged that the refinery was not operational.
In a statement, Soneye described Mgbere’s comments as a “display of ignorance” about refinery operations.
“The old and new Port Harcourt refineries now operate as an integrated facility, sharing utilities like power and storage tanks,” Soneye explained. He urged the public to disregard misinformation.
The second edition of Your Family Lawyer will hit the airwaves tomorrow (Saturday) precisely by 9.am.
Join Barrister Chinye Chuma, a veteran lawyer marshall out issues laced with court verdicts and how victims can resolve such knotty legal matters.
Watch introductory clip below;
News
FemyWalsh Limited Makes History: Appoints Chief Julie Coker as Africa’s Oldest Female Journalist (Photos)
In a groundbreaking move that underscores its commitment to inclusivity and excellence, FemyWalsh Limited has proudly announced the appointment of Chief Julie Coker, an 85-year-old trailblazer in African journalism, as part of its esteemed team.
This historic milestone cements FemyWalsh Limited’s position as a leader in championing diversity and recognising the value of experience across generations.
Chief Julie Coker, a celebrated icon in the media world, brings decades of experience, insight, and unparalleled expertise to the organisation. With a career spanning over six decades, she has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of African journalism, inspiring generations of journalists with her dedication, resilience, and pioneering spirit.
“Chief Julie Coker is not just a journalist; she is a living legend,” said Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, Chief Executive Director of FemyWalsh Limited. “Her contributions to journalism and storytelling have left an indelible mark on the industry. By welcoming her to our team, we are reaffirming our belief that greatness knows no age. This appointment is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and celebrating talent in all its forms.”
This is not the first time FemyWalsh Limited has demonstrated its dedication to inclusivity. Over a year ago, the organisation made headlines by employing a 74-year-old veteran journalist, setting a precedent for valuing experience and diversity. Chief Julie Coker’s appointment further elevates this legacy, marking a significant achievement not only for FemyWalsh Limited but also for Africa’s media landscape.
Chief Julie Coker will now join FemyWalsh Media, which operates Souq News Television, The Isle 104.9 FM Lagos, and the soon-to-launch Kasuwa Radio 99.7 FM, based in the ancient city of Kano. The addition of Kasuwa Radio reflects FemyWalsh Limited’s commitment to expanding its reach and promoting quality broadcasting across Nigeria.
Speaking on her appointment, Chief Julie Coker expressed her gratitude and excitement:
“I am deeply honoured to join FemyWalsh Limited, a company that values experience and continues to break barriers. I look forward to contributing my wealth of knowledge and being part of an organisation that is paving the way for inclusivity and innovation in the media industry.”
Chief Julie Coker’s role at FemyWalsh Limited will focus on mentoring the next generation of journalists, enhancing storytelling strategies, and promoting initiatives that celebrate Africa’s rich media heritage.
FemyWalsh Media’s growing portfolio of outlets underscores its dedication to reshaping the media landscape in Africa by combining innovation with inclusivity. This historic appointment serves as a beacon of inspiration for organisations worldwide, proving that experience and age are invaluable assets in fostering progress and creativity.
About FemyWalsh Limited
FemyWalsh Limited is a leading media organisation committed to driving inclusivity, innovation, and excellence in the media industry. With ownership of Souq News Television, The Isle 104.9 FM Lagos, and the soon-to-launch Kasuwa Radio 99.7 FM Kano, the company continues to inspire through its groundbreaking initiatives and unwavering commitment to diversity.
For media inquiries, please contact:
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
FemyWalsh Limited
Email: [Your Email]
Phone: [Your Phone Number]
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, on Thursday, called on South West Governors to take the security of their areas more seriously in view of the latest revelation concerning the new influx of bandits into the region.
Afenifere disclosed this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,
PUNCH Online reports that the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde while speaking at the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday, disclosed that bandits being dislodged from the North-West of Nigeria are infiltrating his state.
The Governor had said, “During a security briefing this morning, I learned that some bad elements from the North-West are relocating here due to military heat in their zones.
“To underscore the seriousness of the issue, the governor related his own personal experience when he observed his quiet birthday ceremony at Fashola near Oyo Alaafin towards the end of last month.
“During my birthday retreat in Fashola, bandits had camped less than two kilometres from where I was staying. This underscores the seriousness of the situation.”
Howeve, Afenifere stated that a disclosure of this nature coming from the Chief Security Officer of a state is not something to be treated with levity.
It, therefore, called on all the governors of the South-Western States to “as a matter of urgency, hold a meeting to map out strategies to expel the bandits from the region and to ensure that such elements do not infiltrate Yorubaland at any time again.
“For these objectives to be achieved, there is the need to carry certain groups along. These are the security agencies that will implement whatever security decisions are reached, traditional rulers and heads of local vigilantes known as ‘Ode’.”
Ajayi added that whatever strategies were devised should include functional, up-to-date equipment for those who would be on the fields, attractive incentives and the deployment of modern technologies to assist in identifying the bandits and their hideouts.
While urging security agencies and citizens not to take the issue of security lightly, Ajayi concluded by saying that traditional rulers and community leaders in different parts of Yorubaland should not keep quiet whenever they notice any indication suggestive of security threat.
It added, “For example, until the governor made the revelation on Monday, such grave security danger was unknown to members of the public, yet there are people living in Fashola area where the bandits were reported to have established a camp. It is not unlikely that similar camps could be found in some other parts of the South West, hence the need for urgent and effective action.”
Jimmy Carter’s funeral brings together 5 current and former US presidents to honor one of their own
WATCH Your Family Lawyer Podcast on YouTube tomorrow
FemyWalsh Limited Makes History: Appoints Chief Julie Coker as Africa’s Oldest Female Journalist (Photos)
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
News20 hours agoJust in: US Embassy In Nigeria To Be Closed
-
News17 hours agoUsman to Morka: “Peter Obi’s life now in your hands, nothing must happen to him
-
News12 hours agoBudget Defense: Reps Decry Poor Funding for Environment Ministry
-
Metro20 hours agoTension rises as gunmen kill 18 in Imo communities
-
News22 hours ago20 Nigerian Slangs Among 500 New Words, Phrases in Oxford English, ‘gele’, ‘japa’, 419, others made list
-
Economy17 hours agoSEE Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate in Lagos and FCT today, 9th January 2025
-
Politics13 hours agoMASSIVE WASTE! Rivers LG chairman appoints 130 SAs
-
News12 hours agoVIDEO; Nigeria’s foreign relations: So far, Tinubu has showcased good salesmanship-Dr Nwambu