CHIKUN/KAJURU REP, HON. FIDELIX BAGUDU, ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS TO STRENGTHEN INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE. (PHOTO).
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing delays in the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. The call was made in a statement issued on Monday by PETROAN’s spokesperson, Joseph Obele, on behalf of National President Billy Gillis-Harry.
PETROAN expressed concern over the prolonged delays in completing the rehabilitation of the 210,000 barrels-per-day Port Harcourt Refinery, as well as the Warri and Kaduna refineries. The association highlighted that these delays have negatively affected petrol price stability and Nigeria’s economy, exacerbating fuel scarcity challenges.
The group demanded that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) provide a clear and realistic timeline for the completion of the refinery projects, particularly the second phase of the Port Harcourt Refinery rehabilitation. According to PETROAN, the full operation of these refineries would reduce logistics and transportation costs for petroleum products from Lagos to System 2E, a region covering approximately 13 states.
“Nigerians and stakeholders deserve clarity on when these refineries will commence operations,” Gillis-Harry stated. “We call on the relevant authorities to ensure NNPCL adheres to the contract timeline and maintains transparent communication with stakeholders on the project’s progress.”
The statement comes amid lingering controversies surrounding the production capacity of the revamped refineries. In April, President Tinubu sacked the former Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, along with other board members, prompting calls for a probe into alleged mismanagement of funds under Kyari’s leadership. The move has sparked mixed reactions across the country.
PETROAN emphasized the urgency of resolving these delays to stabilize fuel supply and alleviate economic pressures on Nigerians.
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