Eric Olusesan/Port Harcourt
Jubilations and excitement have welcomed the test run of the the hitherto moribund Port Harcourt Petroleum Refinery prelude to it’s official re-opening for operation.
A Niger Delta based entrepreneur and founder of Abitto Global Services limited, Mr. Richard Akinaka, has commended President Ahmed Tinubu over the planned timely and successful re-opening of the refinery.
According to Akinaka,the re-opening of the PH Refinery will have major and significant impact on Nigeria’s oil production and economy.
Mr. Richard Akinaka, who is voted as one of the outstanding Young Entrepreneur from the Niger Delta region, in a chat with newsmen on Thursday said the revamp and commencement of production by the refinery will help reduce the pressure on the nation’s currency and inflow of forex.
He added that it is also an advantage to the pursuit of Nigeria’s zero petroleum oil product import.
Akinaka further commended Port Harcourt Refinery management led by Engr. Ibrahim Onaja, and Technomont contractor for their tireless work,unwavering dedication and commitment to the realization of the objectives of rehabilitation of the Refinery.
He said the new near new state of the Refinery is a testament of how leadership is crucial to any sector as proven by Mr. Onoja and his team.
Akinaka, in expressing the economic significance of the refinery, said, “The revitalization of the Port Harcourt Refinery is not just about enhancing our energy capabilities; it is a powerful catalyst for economic growth”.
He also pointed out that “when the Refinery becomes fully operational, it means an increased job opportunities, a boost to local businesses, and a ripple effect that will elevate the standard of living for our community.”
The refinery’s imminent operation is not just a fulfillment of a commitment; it is a beacon of hope for our economy, signaling a new era of self-reliance and prosperity.”
Meanwhile, as the Port Harcourt Refinery nears its full operational capacity, he called on the host communities , the Eleme and Okrika people to work in synergy with the Refinery as it is poised to reap the rewards of economic revitalization.
He maintained that this achievement is a collaborative effort that will shape the future of the region. “Let us view the refinery as more than just an industrial facility; it is a symbol of our shared progress, a testament to what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal”
In a final call to action, Akinaka urged fellow citizens and indigenes of host communities of the project to see the projects as theirs and protect government assets.
He added,”This is our refinery, our economic engine. Let us stand united in safeguarding and nurturing this valuable asset that holds the key to our community’s economic prosperity. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of the Port Harcourt Refinery reach every corner of Okrika, creating a legacy of prosperity for generations to come”.
In a related development,the immediate past Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Rivers State, Dr Joseph Obele, has said the first phase of the rehabilitation work at the Port Harcourt Refinery has been completed and it is undergoing a test run.
Obele, whose association was saddled with the oversight of the facility during his tenure as IPMAN Chairman in the state, said the first phase of the rehabilitation was presently undergoing a test run.
The December completion deadline set by the Federal Government has become a matter of controversy as stakeholders in the oil industry had expressed strong reservations on the December delivery date.
Recall that the Minister of State for Petroleum, (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, had during his visit to the refinery assured Nigerians that the first phase of the rehabilitation work would be completed by December 2023.