The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Port Harcourt Depot Unit, has called for the consistent and technically sound management of the Port Harcourt Refinery, stressing that beyond periodic rehabilitation, the facility requires long-term operational sustainability.
This position was expressed in a statement signed by the unit’s Chairman, Tekena Thankgod Ikpaki, on June 12, 2025, in reaction to remarks by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, suggesting that the Federal Government may consider selling some of its refineries.
Ikpaki noted that petroleum marketers, as key players in the downstream sector, recognize the Port Harcourt Refinery’s strategic role—not only for Rivers State and the Niger Delta region but also for the national economy.
Referencing the refinery’s brief restart in November 2024 and subsequent shutdown in May 2025 for further maintenance, he said the cycle of operational instability highlights deeper technical and managerial issues that need urgent attention.
“Whether the facility remains under the control of NNPCL or is transferred to private hands, our main concern is functionality,” Ikpaki stated. “A fully operational refinery will offer immense benefits, including market stability, job creation, increased local refining capacity, and enhanced energy security.”
IPMAN urged the Federal Government and NNPCL to prioritize technical competence, industry experience, and a proven track record in any proposed sale or concession arrangement.
The association stressed that privatization should be pursued only if it leads to improved performance and measurable national benefits—not as a symbolic gesture.
Reaffirming its readiness to support all stakeholders, IPMAN emphasized its commitment to a transparent and accountable process that benefits Nigerians, particularly those operating within the oil and gas value chain.
“We are prepared to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that any transition is successful and aligned with the long-term interests of the country,” Ikpaki concluded.
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