The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) leaders have officially confirmed that the Port Harcourt refinery is now fully operational. This confirmation follows a recent inspection tour of the facility by union representatives.

During their visit, the Executive Vice President Downstream of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) informed the delegation that the new Port Harcourt refinery is 90% complete. This announcement puts to rest any doubts regarding the refinery’s functionality, as there had been ongoing controversy about its operational status.

The union leaders, who were part of the delegation, included representatives from the NLC, TUC, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN. They were pleased with the progress but also voiced concerns about the refinery’s potential privatisation. They advocated for a management model similar to that of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant, where both the federal government and international oil companies jointly oversee operations.

The confirmation that the refinery is operational is seen as a significant step for Nigeria’s oil sector, with many hoping it will improve the country’s refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported fuel.