By Barikui Felix
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Port Harcourt Depot Unit have expressed concerns over the rumoured planned sale of the Port Harcourt Refinery by the Federal Government.
Recall that the Federal Government had recently through the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, hinted at the possibility of the sale of some of its refineries to address the persistent challenges confronting their rehabilitation and operational efficiency.
However, Rivers IPMAN in a statement signed by its chairman, Tekena Ikpaki said that as key stakeholders in the downstream oil sector and major players in the supply and distribution chain, they are aware of the strategic importance of the Port Harcourt Refinery not only to Rivers State and the Niger Delta region but also to the entire Nigerian economy and need for it to work optimally.
IPMAN pointed out that the brief resumption of operations at the refinery in November 2024, followed by another shutdown in May 2025 for maintenance, brought to light the operational and technical difficulties that continue to plague the refinery.
IPMAN said the pattern reinforces their long-standing position that the refinery requires more than intermittent rehabilitation, but a consistent and experienced management, with a singular focus on functionality and sustainability.
It noted: ” Whether the facility remains under the direct control of the NNPCL or is eventually handed over to a private entity, the most critical issue for us at this point is ensuring the Port Harcourt Refinery operates at optimal capacity”.
Rivers IPMAN believes that a fully functional refinery will have far-reaching benefits, offering alternative sources of refined products, stabilizing the domestic market, creating jobs, boosting local content, and contributing to national energy security.
The association added: “Our only concern and sincere appeal to the Federal Government and the NNPCL is that competence, technical expertise, and a proven track record in refinery operations must be the top criteria in selecting any prospective buyer or management partner, should the company proceed with the sale or concessioning process.
“The goal must not merely be privatization for its own sake, but a clear and measurable improvement in performance, output, and national benefit”.
Rivers IPMAN further restated their commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the transition if it happens will be transparent, accountable, and ultimately beneficial to Nigerians, particularly those operating directly within the value chain.
