The Nigerian government announced on Thursday that the newly upgraded Port-Harcourt Refinery will soon begin operations with an initial production capacity of 2 million litres of petrol and 2.2 million litres of diesel per day.
The government disclosed the refinery is now 80% complete, with the old plant expected to produce 54,000 barrels daily. The new plant, nearing completion, will also begin production by year’s end.
In a statement, the Director, Press and Public Relations in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment Olajide Oshundun relayed details provided by Minister of State Nkeiruka Onyejeocha during a joint inspection tour with labour leaders. Onyejeocha said the combined capacity of both old and new plants will produce 10 million litres of petrol daily.
“She explained that the old plant would begin with 54,000 barrels per day, which would produce two million litres of PMS and 2.2 million litres of diesel per day, while the new plant which is currently going through its last phase of completion would also begin production before the end of the year. The combined capacity of the two plants, when fully on stream, would produce 10 million litres of PMS per day”, the statement read.
The refinery visit was part of agreements reached last year between the government and organised labour groups. Onyejeocha reiterated the government’s openness to continued dialogue with the aim of achieving harmony, while appealing for labour to consider strikes as a last resort.
“Issuing of constant strike threat could send wrong signals to potential investors. This is not healthy for our business environment,” she said.
The minister and Trade Union Congress Secretary General Nuhu Toro reviewed overall progress made on the agreements. Toro commended progress so far but differed on some points, noting the NURTW leadership issue remains unresolved despite government claims.
“If the issue of the president of the union has not been resolved, it suggests that the issue of NURTW has not been resolved. You have carefully done justice to the items, and we commend you and the federal government, but we expect fulfillment of all the agreements”, he said.
Toro assessed the government has achieved 50% implementation, which the minister disputed. “50% is a pass mark, but we urge you to do more. We know there are challenges, but we are very optimistic that they could be addressed,” Toro added.
