The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has commended the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the successful 180 days of continuous operation at the revitalized Port Harcourt refinery.
After being dormant for over 20 years, the refinery underwent rehabilitation through a loan from Afreximbank and the efforts of Tecnimont Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the Maire Tecnimont Group. It was officially recommissioned in November 2024.
In a statement from its Publicity Secretary, Joseph Obele, PETROAN praised Tecnimont Nigeria Limited for their professionalism and expertise throughout the rehabilitation process. The association also acknowledged the support and cooperation of the host communities.
The refinery, which was formally commissioned in October 2024, has been in continuous operation since March 2025, marking a significant milestone in the success of the rehabilitation project.
PETROAN also highlighted that its members are now sourcing diesel and kerosene from the refinery, while NNPCL’s retail marketers are handling the distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). This development has led to a steady supply of petroleum products and helped eliminate the presence of counterfeit diesel and kerosene in the market.
Furthermore, PETROAN expressed appreciation for Ibrahim Onoja, Managing Director of Port Harcourt Refining Company, for his dedication to the refinery’s rehabilitation and ongoing operation.
The association also extended its thanks to President Bola Tinubu for securing funding for the rehabilitation, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), for his supervision of the project, Mele Kyari, CEO of NNPCL, for his leadership, and Hubb Stockman, Managing Director of NNPC Retail Ltd, for his role in efficient product marketing.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority was also commended for its regulatory support, ensuring the refinery’s safe and effective operation.
