Arewa Youth Consultative Forum and the Northern Awareness Network, have commended the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd for reviving the Port Harcourt refinery.
The refinery, with an installed production capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, is expected to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, enhance economic sovereignty and contribute to the stabilisation of fuel prices.
In a statement in Kaduna on Tuesday, the President-General of the AYCF, Yerima Shettima, praised the Federal Government and the NNPC for their efforts in reviving the refinery.
Shettima noted that the refinery’s capacity to load 200 trucks daily with locally refined products was a testament to the dedication and commitment of the federal government and the NNPC for revitalising critical national infrastructure that has long been dormant.
“The recent commencement of crude oil processing at the Port Harcourt Refinery represents a significant milestone in our collective journey towards self-sufficiency in petroleum products.
“The revival of the Port Harcourt Refinery is not merely an operational success; it is a beacon of hope that demonstrates what can be achieved when vision, determination, and strategic planning converge,” Shettima said.
The AYCF boss also commended the federal government and the NNPC for their tireless efforts in overcoming the obstacles that have hindered the refinery’s functionality.
“We recognise the challenges that have impeded the refinery’s operational efficiency, and we commend the Federal Government and the NNPC for their unwavering resolve in bringing this vital asset back to life,” he said.
In a related development, the Chairman of the Northern Awareness Network, Salihu Sulaiman, praised the Federal Government and the NNPC for their efforts in reviving the refinery.
“The commencement of crude oil processing at the Port Harcourt Refinery is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards self-sufficiency in petroleum products,” Sulaiman said.
Sulaiman noted that the refinery’s installed production capacity of 60,000 barrels per day and its ability to load 200 trucks daily with locally refined products are testaments to the federal government’s commitment to enhancing domestic refining capabilities and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.
“The reactivation of the Port Harcourt Refinery represents a pivotal milestone in Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in petroleum products.
“For too long, the nation has grappled with the challenges of fuel scarcity and the economic repercussions that accompany it. The operationalisation of this refinery not only promises to alleviate these pressing issues but also serves as a beacon of hope for economic revitalization and job creation, particularly in the northern regions of the country.
“The anticipated daily loading of 200 trucks is a testament to the refinery’s capacity to meet the growing demand for refined products, ensuring that citizens have access to fuel without the undue burden of high prices or scarcity,” Sulaiman said.
The Northern Awareness Network recognised that the initiative was not merely about increasing production but about fostering a sense of national pride and self-reliance.
Sulaiman also noted that the reactivation of the Port Harcourt Refinery presents an opportunity to address environmental concerns associated with fuel importation and distribution.
“By refining crude oil domestically, Nigeria can implement more stringent environmental regulations and practices, ultimately leading to a reduction in the carbon footprint associated with transporting fuel across borders,” Sulaiman added.
