Warri Refinery Resumes Operations, Boosting Nigeria's Petroleum Production and Energy Security. (Photo/NAN)
(EPICSTORIAN) – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has successfully restarted operations at the Warri Refinery following the re-streaming of its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU). This milestone marks the gradual reactivation of the refinery after extensive rehabilitation efforts.
In a statement issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, NNPC Ltd. reaffirmed its commitment to delivering on its promise to restore the refinery’s operations before the end of 2024, according to NAN.
“The re-streaming of the Warri Refinery reflects our dedication to reviving Nigeria’s refining capacity and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products,” the statement read.
Operational Highlights on Warri Refinery
During a facility tour in Ekpan, Delta State, the Managing Director of the Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company (WRPC), Mr. Chu Efifia, confirmed the CDU’s successful reactivation. He announced that the plant has resumed the production of key petroleum products, including diesel, kerosene, naphtha, and low-pour fuel oil (LPFO).
Efifia elaborated on the refinery’s output, stating:
The plant is processing 75,000 barrels of crude oil per day (bpd), representing 60% of its installed capacity.
Daily production includes 2.9 million litres of diesel, 1.9 million litres of kerosene, and 4.9 million litres of fuel oil.
Production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, will commence shortly as additional units of the refinery come online.
Strategic Significance
Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., described the development as a crucial step in Nigeria’s journey toward becoming a net producer and exporter of refined petroleum products. “This achievement is a testament to our resolve to build a self-sufficient energy future for Nigeria,” Kyari said.
The Chairman of NNPC Ltd.’s Board of Directors, Chief Pius Akinyelure, expressed optimism about the country’s refining outlook. “With the Warri Refinery back on stream and others to follow, we are on the brink of eliminating petroleum imports and positioning Nigeria as an exporter of refined products,” Akinyelure remarked.
Industry Implications
The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, hailed the progress at the Warri Refinery, emphasizing its positive implications for the oil and gas sector.
“The resumption of operations here and at other refineries will introduce healthy competition into the market, which will ultimately drive down pump prices for the benefit of Nigerians,” Ahmed stated.
The Warri Refinery, with a capacity of 125,000 bpd, was initially commissioned in 1978. It underwent shutdown in 2021 for comprehensive rehabilitation, with Daewoo Engineering serving as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor.
Also Read: Indonesia, Nigeria Unite to Combat Terrorism, Strengthen Defence Cooperation
As Nigeria celebrates this achievement, the nation looks forward to sustained progress in its refinery rehabilitation program, which aims to boost domestic production and enhance energy security.
