The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, has officially confirmed that the Port Harcourt refinery is set to commence operations in December 2023.

Kyari provided this assurance during a meeting with Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, on Thursday.

Kyari emphasized the progress in the rehabilitation of state-run refineries, assuring that it will lead to the cessation of petrol importation by December 2024.

He shared, “I can confirm to you that by the end of December this year, we will start the Port Harcourt refinery. Early in the first quarter of 2024, we will start the Warri refinery, and by the end of 2024, the Kaduna refinery will come into operation. This is the commitment we are giving today, and you can hold us accountable for this.”

The NNPC CEO highlighted the various initiatives, including the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries and the contributions of small-scale refineries, and the upcoming Dangote refinery.

He expressed confidence that, in 2024, these efforts would position the country as a net exporter of petroleum products.

“We will no longer be talking about fuel importation by the end of 2024. I am very optimistic that this will crystallize,” added Mele Kyari, outlining the positive trajectory for Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency in the coming year.