'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) has resumed operations after years of inactivity, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s push for increased local refining capacity. The development was announced by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, during a tour of the facility on Monday.
The refinery, located in Ekpan, Uwvie, and Ubeji in Delta State, has a capacity of 125,000 barrels per day. It is now operating in its first phase, known as Area 1, producing high-quality products such as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), kerosene, and naphtha. Kyari described the achievement as a testament to the commitment and resilience of the NNPCL team, stating, “We have proved that it is possible to restart a plant that was deliberately shut down.”
The Warri Refinery is the second state-owned refinery to come back online this year, following the successful restart of the 60,000 barrels-per-day capacity at the old Port Harcourt Refinery in November. Kyari emphasized that the progress aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive to restore Nigeria's four state-owned refineries to full functionality.
The other two refineries under rehabilitation include the new Port Harcourt Refining Company in Rivers State and the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company in Kaduna State. “Kaduna is also on stream. We are not going to give you a date, but we will surprise you,” Kyari remarked.
President Tinubu expressed his excitement at the refinery’s reopening, calling it “another remarkable achievement in 2024.” In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu lauded the NNPCL for restoring Nigeria’s pride as a leading oil producer.
“The restart of Warri Refinery today brings joy and gladness to me and Nigerians. This will further strengthen the hope and confidence of Nigerians for a greater and better future that we promised,” President Tinubu said.
The president also urged NNPCL to expedite work on the Kaduna Refinery and the second refinery in Port Harcourt to consolidate Nigeria’s position as a hub for crude oil refining in Africa.
The Warri Refinery, operating at 60% capacity, is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products. It will focus on producing and storing critical products, including Straight Run Kerosene (SRK) and heavy and light naphtha, which are vital for domestic consumption and export.
Managed by the NNPCL and initially commissioned in 1978, the WRPC has been instrumental in supplying the southern and southwestern markets. Its rehabilitation was part of the comprehensive overhaul initiated by the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Kyari highlighted the broader implications of the refinery’s revival, stating, “This country will make money to meet the promises of Mr. President that this country will be an exporter of petroleum products.”
With the Warri Refinery now operational and other facilities nearing completion, Nigeria is taking significant steps toward energy security and economic self-reliance. This development, alongside the revival of the Port Harcourt Refinery, underscores the administration’s commitment to transforming the oil and gas sector into a driver of sustainable growth.
.jpeg)
