The National Public Relations Officer of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Dr. Joseph Obele, has disclosed that the Port Harcourt Refinery is yet to resume operations, citing severe funding challenges.
Speaking during a radio interview on Rhythm FM’s Viewpoint, Dr. Obele revealed that several contractors have pulled out of the project site due to a lack of funds, despite the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) announcing a 30-day timeline for the refinery’s restart.
He also expressed concern over the slow pace of reforms in the sector, warning that the government must take urgent and decisive steps—particularly regarding the privatisation of Nigeria’s refineries—as time is fast running out.
