The Senate Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the Turnaround Maintenance of Nigeria’s Refineries has shared an important update regarding the Port Harcourt Refinery. According to Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the chairman of the committee, the refinery is expected to be operational by the end of December. This announcement was made during a courtesy visit to the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
During the visit, Governor Fubara expressed his administration’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Federal Government policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to improve the livelihood of Nigerians. He also highlighted the progress being made on the Woji-Aleto-Alesa-Refinery Road, with the bridge construction being 70 percent completed. This road infrastructure project will not only decongest traffic along the East-West Road but also provide easy access to the refinery.
Governor Fubara emphasized the strategic importance of the refinery to the revival of the federal and state economies. He explained that once the refinery restarts production, it will reduce the need for petroleum product imports, boost the economy, and increase internally generated revenue, which can be utilized for more state projects.
Senator Ubah provided an overview of the committee’s mission, mentioning their recent visit to the Warri Refinery in Delta State. He highlighted the fact that both the old Port Harcourt Refinery, established in 1965, and its counterpart in 1989, have been inactive for a significant period of time. However, with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the determination of Nigerians, the Senate, led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, is committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s refineries become operational to reduce dependency on imported petroleum products.
Governor Fubara emphasized the importance of a cooperative spirit in governance and reaffirmed his dedication to delivering for the people of Rivers State. He stated that despite distractions, their focus remains steadfast on fulfilling the mandate given to them by the people.
The Senators were reminded of the peaceful and hospitable nature of Rivers State, and they were encouraged to interact freely for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders involved.
