Why the Port Harcourt Refinery Project Has Been Delayed – NNPCL Explains

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has provided an explanation for the delay in the completion of the long-anticipated Port Harcourt Refinery. This follows the missed deadline of September, when the project was expected to be finished.

In a recent interview with *Punch*, Olufemi Soneye, the NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, outlined the challenges that have hindered progress. He explained that the rehabilitation of the refinery is a complex “brownfield project,” which refers to the difficulty of upgrading or refurbishing existing facilities. The project has faced unexpected risks and complications during this process.

Soneye emphasized that despite these setbacks, significant progress has been made. The mechanical completion of the refinery revamp was successfully achieved months ago, marking a major milestone. Following this, the team began commissioning key equipment and process units, but unforeseen challenges arose that delayed further work.

Despite these issues, Soneye reassured the public that the problems have now been resolved, and commissioning activities have resumed. The NNPCL is fully committed to completing the project and bringing the refinery into full operation.

While the delay has caused disappointment, NNPCL remains focused on overcoming the hurdles and finishing the Port Harcourt Refinery, a project critical to Nigeria’s oil sector.