The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the persistent delays in the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s major refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.
In a statement issued on Monday by PETROAN spokesperson Joseph Obele and attributed to the association’s National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, the group expressed deep concern over the slow pace of the projects, warning that the continued delay is undermining petrol price stability and negatively impacting the nation’s economy.
Gillis-Harry stressed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) must urgently provide a clear and realistic timeline for the completion of the rehabilitation projects, particularly the second Port Harcourt refinery, which is expected to serve the entire System 2E region comprising 13 states.
“The 100 percent completion of these refineries will significantly cut down on the cost of transporting petroleum products from Lagos to other parts of the country,” he said.
“Nigerians deserve clarity. We are demanding a specific delivery date for these projects and regular updates from the NNPC to assure stakeholders of transparency and commitment,” the statement read.
The association further emphasized the need for strict adherence to contractual timelines and consistent communication from the NNPC to all stakeholders.
This renewed call comes amid lingering questions over the actual production capacity of sections of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which former NNPCL boss Mele Kyari had claimed were partially completed before his dismissal in April.
Kyari’s removal, alongside other board members, sparked widespread calls for his probe, especially regarding the alleged mismanagement of funds under his leadership — a controversy that continues to generate mixed reactions across the country.
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