The Senate Ad-Hoc Committee to Investigate the Turnaround Maintenance of Nigeria’s Refineries has announced that the Port Harcourt Refinery is expected to be operational by the end of December.
The committee’s chairman, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, confirmed this during a courtesy visit to the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Governor Fubara emphasised the alignment of his administration with President Bola Tinubu’s Federal Government policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at enhancing the livelihood of Nigerians.
“We are almost completing the bridge on the Woji-Aleto-Alesa-Refinery Road, which is about 70 per cent completed. This will help decongest and reduce commuter troubles along the East-West Road while providing easy access straight to the refinery,” Governor Fubara stated.
In a statement issued by Nelson Chukwudi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor on Saturday, Fubara noted the strategic importance of the refinery to the revival of the federal and state economies.
“When the refinery restarts production, there will be petroleum products available locally, reducing the need for imports. This will bolster the economy and increase internally generated revenue, allowing for more state projects,” he explained.
For his part, Senator Ubah provided an overview of their mission, following their visit to the Warri Refinery in Delta State.
“We recall that the old Port Harcourt Refinery, established in 1965 and its counterpart in 1989, have not been in active operations for a long time. With the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President and the determination of Nigerians, our Senate led by Senator Godswill Akpabio resolved to ensure that Nigeria’s refineries are operational to decrease dependency on imported petroleum products,” said Ubah.
The governor also addressed the cooperative spirit necessary for governance, highlighting that despite distractions, his focus remains steadfast on delivering for the people of Rivers State.
“We have no issues; our eyes are on the ball to deliver for our people. We have the interest of our people at heart, and that is why they gave us the mandate to govern them,” Fubara remarked.
The Senators were reminded of the peaceful and hospitable nature of the state, with an encouragement to interact freely for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders involved.