President Tinubu Excited As Warri Refinery Roars Back to Life; 125,000 Bpd Operations Underway

By Ayodele Oni

Hight cost of fuel in the country may soon end as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced the resumption of operations at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC).

It is expected that the refinery will boost the country’s oil production with 125,000 barrels per day (bpd).

This development is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for energy self-sufficiency.

According to NNPCL CEO, Mele Kyari, the refinery will supply markets in the south and southwest regions of Nigeria. The WRPC, commissioned in 1978, is located at Ekpan, Uwvie, and Ubeji, Warri. 

Kyari was accompanied on the tour by Farouk Ahmen, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The resumption of operations at the WRPC is a welcome development, given the country’s history of refining challenges. 

Nigeria has struggled to meet its refining needs, relying heavily on imported petroleum products. However, with the WRPC back online, the country is poised to reduce its reliance on imports and boost its energy security.

The NNPCL has been working to revitalize the country’s refinery sector, with plans to engage private operators to manage and maintain its refineries. 

This move is expected to bring in much-needed expertise and investment to the sector.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his profound joy at the re-opening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, describing it as another remarkable achievement in 2024 that has strengthened Nigerians’ hope in his administration.

“Today, the Warri Refinery returned to operation weeks after NNPC Limited restarted the 60,000 Barrels per day at the Port Harcourt Refinery in November.

“With Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) going into operation after several years of inactivity, President Tinubu has once again expressed his administration’s determination to ramp up local refining capacity and make Nigeria a hub for downstream industrial activities in Africa.

“The All Progressives Congress-led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari awarded the contract for the complete rehabilitation and overhaul of the four state-owned refineries.”

President Tinubu noted with confidence that with the 125,000 (bpd) Warri Refinery now operating at 60% capacity, his administration’s comprehensive plan to ensure energy efficiency and security is entirely on course. 

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser, information & strategy, stated that the president praised the Mele Kyari-led management of the NNPCL for working hard to restore Nigeria’s glory and pride as a major oil-producing country.

“The restart of Warri Refinery today brings joy and gladness to me and Nigerians. This will further strengthen the hope and confidence of Nigerians for a greater and better future that we promised. 

“This development is a remarkable way to end the year following the feat recorded earlier with the old Port Harcourt Refinery. I am equally happy that NNPC Limited is implementing my directive to restore all four refineries to good working condition.

“I congratulate Mele Kyari and his team at NNPCL for working hard to restore our national pride and make Nigeria a hub for crude oil refining in Africa.”

President Tinubu enjoined NNPCL to accelerate repair work on Kaduna Refinery and the 150,000 (bpd) second refinery in Port Harcourt to consolidate Nigeria’s position as a global energy provider.

WRPC is expected to focus on producing and storing critical products, including Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and heavy and light Naphtha.