The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited has successfully completed the supply of 475,000 barrels of crude oil to the Port Harcourt Refining Company, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to boost domestic refining capacity.
This achievement holds the promise of enhancing the availability of petroleum products within the country, potentially reducing reliance on imported fuels and, consequently, mitigating fluctuations in fuel prices. Moreover, the rehabilitation and recommencement of operations at the Port Harcourt refinery could pave the way for job creation and contribute to the overall economic advancement of Nigeria.
The supply, disclosed in a statement by Abimbola Essien-Nelson, the Media Relations Manager of SPDC, underscores the commitment of the Federal Government to bolstering domestic refining infrastructure. Essien-Nelson emphasized the collaboration and dedication of teams involved, highlighting the successful resumption of supply after a prolonged outage of over five years.
Dr. Osagie Okunbor, Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria and Managing Director of SPDC, lauded the joint efforts of teams from BOGT and PHRC, emphasizing the significance of utilizing key infrastructures to ensure a steady supply of petroleum products to the Nigerian market.
Osita Nnajiofor, the Bonny Terminal Installation Manager, emphasized the safety and integrity measures undertaken prior to resuming crude oil supply, affirming the absence of harm to individuals, the environment, or equipment throughout the process.
This development comes amidst the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s decision to hand over the rehabilitated Port Harcourt refinery to private operators, signaling a shift towards enhanced efficiency and productivity in the nation’s refining sector.
The completion of this supply signifies a significant step towards increasing domestic refining capacity in Nigeria. This could potentially lead to a more stable and readily available supply of petroleum products in the country, benefiting the masses by reducing dependency on imported fuels and potentially lowering prices at the pump. Additionally, the rehabilitation and resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt refinery could create job opportunities and contribute to the overall economic growth of the nation.
