Katherine Abayomi
The Bulk Petroleum Retailers Association of Port Harcourt Refinery Depot, representing the Eleme and Okrika communities, has raised alarm over the federal government’s recent shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
The association chairman, Chief Sunny Nkpe, during a media brief held in Port Harcourt, expressed deep concern that the shutdown may not be temporary as officially stated, but part of a larger plot to create a monopoly in crude oil refining.
“If you want to maintain a plant and you cut off crude oil supply, that becomes worrisome. We were told the shutdown is for 30 days of repairs, but a refinery should have fixed the crude stock already in place.”
Nkpe, who claims over 30 years of experience working in the refinery, said the decision to halt crude supply has sparked suspicions within the host communities and industry stakeholders.
He disclosed that Universal Oil Products (UOP), an American firm contracted to revamp the refinery’s CRU (Catalytic Reforming Unit), abandoned the project due to interference from the refinery’s current coordinator, Bayo Aderenle.
“As I speak, nothing is going on anymore. Shutting down the plant without crude stock points to the possibility of a permanent closure. We are calling for the appointment of a substantive Managing Director with fresh energy and a capable team.”
He noted that before the shutdown, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) output from the refinery was being channeled to NNPC Retail due to limited production capacity. However, he maintained that the Port Harcourt refinery plays a crucial role in moderating petroleum product prices across the country.
“If this shutdown continues beyond 30 days, the prices of AGO (diesel), DPK (kerosene), and other products will spike. The economic consequences will be severe,” he said.
Nkpe also raised alarm over the monopolization of crude refining which would be detrimental to Nigerians.
“This refinery supports competition. Without it, fuel prices could skyrocket. We won’t sit back and watch vested interests jeopardise our livelihoods,” he added.
HOSCOM Administrative Secretary, Dr. Joseph Obelle, also affirmed the same statement saying the shutdown was “orchestrated” to give undue advantage to a private refinery.
“If this continues, Nigerians may soon pay as much as ₦2,000 per litre of petrol,” he said.
Secretary of the Board of Trustees Comrade Emmanuel Inimgba, emphasized that the communities will no longer remain passive observers.
“We are raising this alarm to protect public interest, marketers, retailers, our communities, and all Nigerians,” he said.
The group also passed a vote of confidence on Tecnimont, the engineering firm handling the refinery rehabilitation. They called on the Federal Government to support the company in completing the rehabilitation work in Areas 1, 2, and 3 of the refinery.
“They have already handed over Area 5, which is now shut down, and were close to finishing the rest before this issue arose. It’s critical they are allowed to finish the job,” the group stated.
The Host Community Bulk Petroleum Retailers urged the Federal Government to act swiftly by addressing leadership issues at the refinery and ensuring the 30-day maintenance deadline is met to avoid economic and social fallout.
