The Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company (WRPC), with a capacity of 125,000 barrels per day, has resumed operations after years of inactivity. This development follows the recent restart of the Port Harcourt Refinery and signifies progress in Nigeria's efforts to enhance local refining capabilities.
President Bola Tinubu expressed his satisfaction with the refinery's reopening, describing it as a "remarkable way to end the year" and a boost to Nigerians' confidence in the future. He commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, for their dedication to restoring the nation's refining capacity.
During a tour of the facility, Mele Kyari confirmed that the refinery is operational, stating, "This plant is running. Although it is not 100 percent complete, we are still in the process." He emphasized the reality of the progress made, countering skepticism about the project's feasibility.
The WRPC, located in Warri, Delta State, was commissioned in 1978 to supply petroleum products to Nigeria's southern and southwestern regions. The refinery's resumption is expected to reduce the nation's dependence on imported refined products, improve energy security, and contribute to economic growth.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration's commitment to restoring all four of Nigeria's state-owned refineries to full operational capacity, aiming to position the country as a hub for crude oil refining in Africa. The reopening of the Warri Refinery is a significant step toward achieving this goal.
The NNPCL plans to expedite repairs on the Kaduna Refinery and the second Port Harcourt Refinery to further enhance Nigeria's refining capabilities. The WRPC will focus on producing and storing critical products, including Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and heavy and light Naphtha.
This milestone reflects the Nigerian government's dedication to achieving energy efficiency and security, marking a positive development in the nation's oil and gas sector.
