News
Again, NNPCL Postpones Port-Harcourt Refinery Kick-Off For Sixth Time
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has again failed to commence operations after about six postponements.
The refinery was originally scheduled for completion in 2019.
The refurbishment and upgrade of the Port Harcourt Refinery, located in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region, have faced significant setbacks over the years.
Political wrangling, funding challenges and technical difficulties have plagued the project, which is seen as crucial for Nigeria’s energy independence and economic stability.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had in July reaffirmed its preparedness to commence crude oil refining at the Port Harcourt refinery in early August.
This was revealed by the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, while addressing an emergency session at the National Assembly joint committee on finance.
Kyari explained that the Port Harcourt refinery would kick off production by early August this year, while that of Kaduna would commence by December 2024.
Kyari, who had earlier announced two weeks from March 2024 as the kick-off date for production from the Port Harcourt refinery, maintained that “he was not lying” as he reaffirmed the new August date.
However, promises made to Nigerians by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and NNPC about the refinery have continued to witness multiple failures.
As August nears midpoint, the refinery has yet to commence operations, creating concerns that this might be another failed promise from NNPC.
The NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, on Tuesday told PUNCH that the refinery was on course, even when the early August promise had expired.
“We are on course,” Soneye, said.
According to the report, Soneye did not reply to further questions, asking if he meant the refinery would still operate this month.
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JUST IN: Tinubu Heading For France
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday for a state visit to France.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Emmanuel Macron invited his Nigerian counterpart to the European country.
Onanuga said the three-day visit will focus “on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation among others”.
“President Tinubu who will be traveling with the First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l’Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.”
“During the visit, President Tinubu and President Macron will harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.
“Brigitte and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss the latter’s passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative,” the statement read.
Tinubu and his wife who will be hosted to a state dinner by the French leader before their departure, will be accompanied by top government officials.
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