The Port Harcourt Refinery is still undergoing testing and has not commenced commercial operations despite expectations of resuming production in December 2023 after repairs.

According to NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Oladapo Soneye, test running is ongoing to ensure all components like pipelines are in perfect condition before crude oil supply and refining starts.

The refinery rehabilitation project, which has taken over two years, was over 84% mechanically completed as of mid-December, according to NNPC CEO Mele Kyari. The target was to finish repairs on the key Area 5 plant and flare up by December 31.

While NNPC declared the project had reached mechanical completion, the current testing indicates that full functioning has not yet begun. No timeline was provided on when crude supply and production might start.

The readiness checks are meant to guarantee smooth functioning before refining activities commence. NNPC board chairman Pius Akinyelure previously expressed optimism that maximum production levels would keep petroleum prices stable and raise revenue.

Industry experts say the delay shows the complexity of refinery repairs. Getting the plant to reliably process crude oil into petroleum products has been an arduous process despite billions spent on rehabilitation.

Successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, Nigeria’s largest, is seen as crucial for taming fuel importation. But the country eagerly awaits the refinery’s full production resumption amid growing skepticism.