Nigeria’s Refining Revolution: Port Harcourt Refinery Joins Eight Others in Operation

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery, Rivers State.

This marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to enhance local refining capacity, with the facility now processing crude oil. The Port Harcourt Refinery joins eight other operational refineries across the country, contributing to the production of petroleum products and reducing dependence on imports.

Below is a breakdown of Nigeria’s operational refineries and their contributions:

1. Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company
   Located in Edo State, the refinery operates in two phases with capacities of 1,000 barrels per day (BPD) and 5,000 BPD. It refines locally sourced crude oil to produce diesel, naphtha, and other petroleum products, enhancing regional energy supply.
2. Duport Midstream Refinery
   This 2,500-BPD modular refinery, also in Edo State, began production in 2023. It meets local energy needs and supports industrial development, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuels.
3. Walter Smith Refinery
   Located in Imo State, the facility started operations in 2020 with a 5,000-BPD capacity. It supplies refined products to local communities and plans to expand to 50,000 BPD, positioning itself as a significant player in Nigeria’s refining sector.
4. OPAC Refinery
   Situated in Kwale, Delta State, this modular refinery processes up to 10,000 BPD of crude oil. Operational since 2021, it produces diesel, kerosene, and other petroleum products, contributing to fuel availability and reducing import pressure.
5. Niger Delta Petroleum Refinery (Aradel)
   Operating in the Niger Delta region since 2010, this modular refinery has grown from a 1,000-BPD capacity to 11,000 BPD. It produces gas oil, kerosene, and fuel oil, bolstering local economies in the region.
6. Old Port Harcourt Refinery
   Established in 1965 with a 60,000-BPD capacity, this facility has undergone significant repairs, including work by Italian firm Tecnimont SPA. It remains a key asset in meeting Nigeria’s refining needs.
7. New Port Harcourt Refinery
   Commissioned in 1985 to expand the Port Harcourt refining complex, this facility has a capacity of 150,000 BPD. Combined with the older refinery, the complex’s total capacity reaches 210,000 BPD, underscoring its importance in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
8. Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC)
   Built in 1978, this 125,000-BPD refinery is one of Nigeria’s oldest. Rehabilitation efforts are underway to restore it to optimal production levels, ensuring a steady output of petroleum products.
9. Dangote Refinery
   Situated in Lekki, Lagos State, this 650,000-BPD facility is Africa’s largest refinery. Operational since late 2023, it began supplying refined products in May 2024. It represents a major boost to Nigeria’s energy sector, reducing imports and positioning the country as a refining hub.

The addition of the Port Harcourt Refinery strengthens Nigeria’s refining landscape, supporting energy independence, job creation, and cost reductions in petroleum imports.