The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has issued a strong advisory to the Federal Government, urging decisive action to resuscitate the nation's moribund refineries located in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.
Years of Neglect Despite Economic Importance
In a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Joseph Obele, PETROAN lamented that the three critical assets have been abandoned for several years. This neglect persists despite their paramount importance to Nigeria's energy security and overall economic stability.
The association highlighted the case of the Port Harcourt Refinery, which was rehabilitated at a cost of approximately $1.5 billion and resumed operations in November 2024. However, its revival was short-lived, as it was shut down again on May 24, 2025, mirroring similar operational challenges plaguing the Warri and Kaduna facilities.
Political and Economic Stakes of Refinery Revival
PETROAN warned that the state of these refineries is poised to become a major talking point in political campaigns. Both ruling and opposition parties are expected to leverage issues of abandonment, neglect, mismanagement, and alleged fraud surrounding the assets.
Dr. Obele pointed to the tangible benefits witnessed during the Port Harcourt Refinery's brief operational window. Host communities experienced a significant boost in business activities and employment opportunities, particularly for the youth, within the first six months.
Beyond immediate job creation, PETROAN argues that sustained operations would introduce healthy competition in the downstream petroleum sector. This competition is seen as a key driver for reducing the pump price of petroleum products for Nigerian consumers.
Having multiple functional refineries would drastically cut the country's reliance on expensive fuel imports, improve supply stability, and create better pricing advantages nationwide.
A Clear Deadline and Call for Action
PETROAN has presented a clear timeline for action, advising the ruling party to ensure the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries resume and sustain operations by the first quarter of 2026.
The association contends that visible outcomes such as job creation, a surge in local business activities, and renewed engagement with host communities could significantly influence voter perception and support.
"My advice to the ruling party is to take decisive action to ensure that the nation-owned refineries resume and sustain operations by the first quarter of 2026," Dr. Obele stated. "This will provide a strong campaign advantage through visible outcomes."
PETROAN's Bid for Port Harcourt Refinery
In a related development, PETROAN has revealed ongoing discussions with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) regarding the potential acquisition and revival of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
The association's President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, disclosed this move to Daily Trust, stating it aims to boost Nigeria's local refining capacity and strengthen indigenous participation in the oil and gas value chain.
PETROAN is reportedly engaging potential co-investors from Ukraine and Georgia, who have expressed readiness to support the acquisition. Dr. Gillis-Harry estimated that about $2 billion would be required to kick-start the refinery's rehabilitation, with discussions ongoing to formalise arrangements, including signing letters of interest.
Reviving the Port Harcourt Refinery, according to PETROAN, would help stabilise petroleum product prices, stimulate broader economic activities, and align with the objectives of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
