Nigeria's state-owned oil company, NNPC Ltd, is seeking operators for its upgraded Port Harcourt oil refinery in the Niger Delta, set to kick off production in the first quarter of this year. The initial production will involve processing 60,000 barrels per day (bpd), with plans to reach full capacity at 210,000 bpd later in the year.
In a public notice, NNPC expressed the need for reputable operations firms to "operate and maintain one of its refineries, Port Harcourt Refining Company, to ensure reliability and sustainability towards meeting the nation's fuel supply and energy security obligations."
Prospective operators are required to demonstrate a turnover of at least $2 billion since 2019, showcase their latest credit rating, and provide evidence of experience in refinery operations. NNPC announced on Jan. 4 that test runs at the Port Harcourt refinery would be completed this month, signaling a significant step before resuming production.
The Port Harcourt refinery, dormant for five years, is part of the Nigerian government's efforts to revive state-owned refineries, aiming to reduce the country's dependence on imported refined products. Stay tuned for the next chapter in Nigeria's energy journey as the refinery gears up for a transformative role in the nation's fuel supply landscape.