Sunday, November 1, 2026

Port Harcourt refinery to resume production by December, says minister

Mr Lokpbiri gave the assurance on Friday during a facility inspection of the refinery.

• August 25, 2023
Heineken Lokpobiri
Heineken Lokpobiri [photo credit: Vanguard]

Minister of state, petroleum resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, said the Port Harcourt refinery would resume production by December with a target of 54,000 to 60,000 barrels of refined petroleum products per day.

Mr Lokpbiri gave the assurance on Friday during a facility inspection of the refinery.

He said that rehabilitation of the first phase of the refinery had been relatively achieved and would commence production by the end of the year.

“The essence of this inspection is to know the extent of work done on the Port Harcourt Refinery, and we are satisfied with what we have seen.

“From what we have seen here, the first phase will come on stream by the end of 2023 with about 54,000 to 60,000 barrels per day production.

“Warri will start by first quarter of next year with about 70,000 barrels per day and Kaduna will come on stream towards the end of next year.

“If we add all that to Dangote refinery, we will be able to stop fuel importation, start saving substantial part of our funds and Nigerians will also begin to have the benefits of full deregulation,” he said.

According to him, his team will be inspecting all refineries in the country and the objective is to ensure that in the next few years, Nigeria will stop fuel importation.

He also said that the entire Port Harcourt Refinery would be fully rehabilitated by the end of 2024.

Also Kperikpe Ekpo, minister of state, gas resources, noted that the federal government was very intentional in attracting foreign investors in the gas sub-sector.

“Of course, the ‘Renewed hope’ agenda of the Federal Government will end gas flaring and also boost electricity in the country.

“We have received the brief today, I can say that there is hope for Nigeria.

“Gas flaring will stop and gas generation will increase so that we can have uninterrupted power supply in the country.

“I am comfortable with what we have seen; the improvements are there and the contractors are dedicated; this is in line with the president’s directive of a renewed hope for Nigerians,” Mr Ekpo said.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Nigerian Bar Association

States

Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future

The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Kano Pillars

Sport

NPFL: Pillars beat Nasarawa United 2-0 

Mr Ogunmodede said his players faced considerable pressure to win, given the expectations of the club’s supporters.

Faith

Islamic singer Aminat Obirere faces backlash over performance at Odun Ifa festival in Ogun 

The event took place at Olunla Villa, Balogun Quarters, Owode Egba, Ogun State.

World

Five UK teens injured after knife attack at Halloween party 

Hampshire Police said a cordon remained in place on Sunday as officers continued investigations into the incident.

World

Chepkirui, Almgren win New York City Marathon 

Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa came second, 13 seconds behind Almgren, while Kamohelo Mofolo of Lesotho finished third.

World

Arsenal defeat Liverpool, climb top of EPL table

The defending champions also became the first team to prevent Liverpool from having any shot on target at Anfield.

Binance

Heading 5

Binance restores deposits, withdrawals after hackers stole $6.3 billion 

The crypto trading platform said it processed over $4 billion in withdrawals and over $1 billion in deposits since Sunday.