After several unfulfilled production deadlines, the Port Harcourt Refining Company finally started processing crude oil on Tuesday.

The refinery’s activation comes after repeated postponements and seven missed deadlines.

The cheering news was announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), insisting that the development will help Nigeria’s refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported fuel.

According to the NNPCL, truck loading has also commenced, signaling the beginning of local fuel distribution from the facility.

Efforts to rehabilitate the Port Harcourt refinery have been ongoing, with earlier assurances from officials predicting its restart at various points since late 2023.

The facility, part of Nigeria’s four major refineries with a combined capacity of 445,000 barrels per day, has struggled with inefficiency and underperformance for decades despite substantial investments in its overhaul.

The NNPCL also disclosed that it would soon revive the Warri Refinery according to the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Femi Soneye, who spoke to the media on Tuesday.

Soneye said: “Today marks a monumental achievement for Nigeria as the Port Harcourt Refinery officially commences crude oil processing. This groundbreaking milestone signifies a new era of energy independence and economic growth for our nation.

“Hearty congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NNPC Board, and the exceptional leadership of GCEO, Mele Kyari, for their unwavering commitment to this transformative project. Together, we are reshaping Nigeria’s energy future!”