The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has delivered on its commitment to finish critical rehabilitation work on the Port Harcourt Refining Company’s Area 5 plant by December 31st, 2023.

After over two years of renewal efforts, NNPC leadership vowed to complete mechanical restoration and restart flaring operations for the old refinery section. During a progress inspection on December 15th, NNPC CEO Mele Kyari announced Area 5 was 84.4% rehabilitated, with the overall project now 77.4% complete.

“We promised to hit major milestones by year’s end to revive this valuable asset for Nigeria’s benefit,” Kyari stated. “Today, we’ve kept that pledge.”

Kyari praised refinery staff and engineering contractors for the extensive repairs achieved so far. NNPC Board Chairman Chief Pius Akinyelure called it a “historic, proud moment” while urging teams to maximize production and stability going forward.

The $1.5 billion refurbishment initiative has covered engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning. Mechanical completion signals that major physical repairs are finished.

Reopening the Port Harcourt refinery will boost availability of liquefied petroleum gas and other products. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Heineken Lokpobiri said the progress aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s renewal agenda for the country.