
Revival of the Warri Refinery
After a ten-year hiatus, the Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company in Delta State reopened on December 30, 2024. The event surprised many at the Ekpan refinery complex in Warri. Prominent figures, including NNPC Limited Board Chairman Chief Pius Akinyelure, Group CEO Mele Kyari, NMDPRA Chief Executive Engr. Farouk Ahmed, and WRPC Managing Director Efifia Chu, attended. Enthusiastic workers and journalists witnessed the successful restart of the refinery’s CDU, Gas Plant, and VDU, collectively known as Area I.
Community Excitement
The reopening generated immense excitement. Harry Okenini, Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, expressed his joy and shared that he had stopped at a church to give thanks before arriving, unsure if the news was true.
A New Era for the Refinery
The 125,000-barrel-per-day refinery’s revival was likened to a patient waking from a decade-long coma. Given the troubled history of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, this comeback was extraordinary. Many believed privatization was the only solution, arguing that the government should not manage such enterprises.
Despite skepticism, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration committed to reviving Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries, which have a combined capacity of 445,000 barrels per day, including the Kaduna, Old Port Harcourt, New Port Harcourt, and Warri refineries. However, years of neglect and mismanagement had left many doubting the government’s promises.
Challenges Overcome
The Bureau of Public Enterprises noted that the Warri refinery had never operated at full capacity. Its 2015 shutdown due to disrepair and crude shortages fueled skepticism. However, when NNPC GCEO Mele Kyari declared on December 30, 2024, “This plant is running. We have not completed 100%,” it highlighted NNPC’s resilience under his leadership.
The Warri refinery’s revival followed the successful restart of the 60,000-barrel-per-day Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which had been idle for over 30 years. Kyari confidently urged stakeholders to verify NNPC’s claims, promising the revival of the Warri and Kaduna refineries. Despite various challenges, he fulfilled these pledges.
Recognition of Efforts
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) praised Kyari’s leadership for its determination in rehabilitating the refineries. NEITI emphasized potential benefits like enhanced energy security, job creation, and economic growth while urging NNPC to expedite the rehabilitation of the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Kaduna refinery.
Official Endorsements
President Bola Tinubu commended NNPC for this significant achievement. His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, referred to it as a milestone that strengthens Nigerians’ confidence in a brighter future, expressing optimism about the administration’s energy plan.
Current Operations and Safety Standards
During a visit to the Warri refinery, it was confirmed that operations are at 60% capacity, producing diesel, gas, and kerosene. NNPC officials, including Refinery Coordinator Bayo Adenrele and EVP Downstream Isiyaku Abdullahi, oversee operations, preventing product theft through smart meters. Okenini confirmed that IPMAN members are already lifting diesel and kerosene, with other products expected by February.
Safety standards at the refinery are notably high, with strict protocols enforced. WRPC Managing Director Efifia Chu emphasized safety measures during the tour, including a ban on mobile phones in certain areas. The NNPC and WRPC management deserve commendation for their commitment to safety.
Future Prospects
Calls for the revival of the second Port Harcourt and Warri refineries continue. Kyari is urged to deliver on these promises. The revitalization of these facilities represents a significant step forward for Nigeria’s oil industry, showcasing resilience and determination in overcoming years of neglect.