Paragraph 1: Disputed Shutdown of Port Harcourt Refinery: Local Retailers Challenge NNPC’s Narrative
The shutdown of the Port Harcourt refinery has sparked controversy, with local fuel retailers contesting the official narrative presented by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). While the NNPC claims the refinery underwent a planned maintenance shutdown starting May 24, 2025, retailers assert that the facility had been starved of crude oil for months prior to the shutdown. The Eleme & Okrika Host Community Bulk Petroleum Retailers Association argues that the refinery was not processing crude for an extended period before its closure, contradicting the NNPC’s assertion that the refinery was operational until the shutdown date. This discrepancy in accounts raises questions about the transparency and veracity of information surrounding the refinery’s closure.
Paragraph 2: Allegations of Crude Diversion and Fears of Prolonged Shutdown
Local retailers suspect that the crude oil intended for the Port Harcourt refinery was diverted, potentially to the international market. Joseph Obele, spokesperson for the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), expressed concerns that the absence of crude oil at the refinery indicates a deliberate denial of supply. He questions the whereabouts of the crude oil allocated for local refining and suggests that it might have been sold abroad, contrary to the government’s stated policy against such practices. These allegations raise significant concerns about potential mismanagement and corruption within the oil sector. Furthermore, retailers fear that the refinery will remain inactive for an extended period due to the lack of crude reserves, mirroring the situation at the Warri refinery, which has been shut down for an extended period.
Paragraph 3: Internal Memo Reveals Operational Challenges and Lack of PMS Production
An internal memo from the Port Harcourt refinery management, cited by local retailers, reportedly states that the crude oil cracking process was yielding only Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and no Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. This revelation suggests that the refinery was not functioning optimally even before the official shutdown. The lack of PMS production, a crucial fuel for transportation and daily life, underscores the severity of the refinery’s operational challenges. Retailers argue that this information further supports their claim that the shutdown was not planned maintenance but a consequence of crude oil shortage. They believe that the NNPC’s explanation of a "planned maintenance shutdown" is a smokescreen to conceal the real issue of crude oil unavailability.
Paragraph 4: Retailers’ Call for Transparency and Accountability
The local retailers are urging President Bola Tinubu to investigate the circumstances surrounding the refinery’s shutdown and the alleged diversion of crude oil. They emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s oil resources. They expressed concerns about the lack of crude oil supply weeks before the refinery’s supposed restart in November, suggesting a pattern of inconsistent crude allocation. The retailers’ insistence on transparency underscores the need for public scrutiny of the oil sector, which has historically been plagued by opacity and corruption.
Paragraph 5: Recommendations for Reviving the Refinery and Recognizing Past Efforts
The retailers have put forward several recommendations to ensure the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery. They advocate for a consistent supply of crude oil, close monitoring of allocation and distribution, and the appointment of a qualified Managing Director with expertise in refinery operations. They also emphasize the importance of adhering to the 30-day repair timeline and providing regular progress updates. Additionally, they commend the former Managing Director, Ibrahim Onoja, and his team for their efforts in previous revamping attempts and suggest that they be recognized and incentivized.
Paragraph 6: NNPC’s Response and Continued Denial of Sabotage
The NNPC, through its spokesperson Olufemi Soneye, has denied allegations of sabotage and maintains that the refinery shutdown was for planned maintenance and sustainability assessment. Soneye emphasized that the maintenance exercise would adhere to global best practices and that adequate fuel supplies would be maintained during the shutdown period. However, the NNPC has not addressed the specific allegations raised by local retailers regarding the lack of crude oil supply prior to the shutdown. The NNPC’s silence on this crucial point reinforces the perception of a lack of transparency and further fuels suspicion about the true reasons behind the refinery’s closure. The contrasting narratives presented by the NNPC and the local retailers highlight the need for an independent investigation to ascertain the facts and ensure accountability.
