The Senate Ad-Hoc Committee to Investigate the Turnaround Maintenance of Nigeria’s Refineries has disclosed that the Port Harcourt Refinery is scheduled to resume operations by the end of December.
The committee’s chairman, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, made this announcement during a courtesy visit to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Governor Fubara highlighted his administration’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Federal Government policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at improving the livelihoods of Nigerians. He emphasized the strategic importance of the refinery to both federal and state economies.
“We are almost completing the bridge on the Woji-Aleto-Alesa-Refinery Road, which is about 70 per cent completed. This will help decongest and reduce commuter troubles along the East-West Road while providing easy access straight to the refinery,” Fubara explained.
He further stated, “When the refinery restarts production, there will be petroleum products available locally, reducing the need for imports. This will bolster the economy and increase internally generated revenue, allowing for more state projects.”
Senator Ubah outlined the committee’s mission, citing their recent visit to the Warri Refinery in Delta State. He expressed determination to ensure Nigeria’s refineries become operational to reduce dependency on imported petroleum products.
“We recall that the old Port Harcourt Refinery, established in 1965 and its counterpart in 1989, have not been in active operations for a long time. With the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President and the determination of Nigerians, our Senate led by Senator Godswill Akpabio resolved to ensure that Nigeria’s refineries are operational to decrease dependency on imported petroleum products,” said Ubah.
Fubara reiterated his commitment to governance despite distractions, emphasizing the government’s focus on delivering for the people of Rivers State.
“We have no issues; our eyes are on the ball to deliver for our people. We have the interest of our people at heart, and that is why they gave us the mandate to govern them,” Fubara remarked.
The Senators were reminded of the peaceful and hospitable nature of the state, with encouragement to interact freely for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders involved.
