The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called on the Federal Government to partner with reputable foreign firms for the technical and equity management of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
In a statement by PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele, the association praised Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, for initiating a Technical and Equity (T&E) partnership model to revive the refinery.
PETROAN commended the NNPC’s decision to engage UOP, a globally recognised firm, to assess the refinery’s condition, signalling progress toward its restoration.
The statement noted, “Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria PETROAN commends the Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr Bayo Ojulari, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, for initiating the process of reviving the Port Harcourt Refinery through an assessment of the plant for a potential private firm under the Technical and Equity (T&E) partnership model.”
The T&E model, successfully implemented at the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Bonny, is expected to enhance the refinery’s efficiency. PETROAN’s National President, Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, highlighted that an operational refinery would promote competitive pricing and curb monopolistic practices in the downstream sector, benefiting stakeholders and consumers. He stated, “We believe this will yield necessary benefits to stakeholders, host communities, retailers, and consumers by promoting competitive pricing and preventing unfair market practices.”
Gillis-Harry also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of the Eleme Express Road, which is critical for petroleum product transportation. PETROAN urged a transparent and swift revival process, free from political interference, and emphasised fair consideration for reputable foreign partners.
In a related development, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), in August 2025, demanded that Ojulari expedite the refinery’s rehabilitation or resign, citing unprofessional handling of the $1.5 billion project.
The refinery, shut down in May 2025 for 30 days of maintenance—six months after its $1.5 billion rehabilitation in November 2024—has caused job losses among tanker drivers, NUPENG, PETROAN, IPMAN, and host community workers, raising concerns about petrol supply stability.
