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The National Civil Society Coalition, the body of CSOs in Nigeria on Monday noted that it has planned to visit the Port Harcourt refinery by January 2025 for independent assessment.
The body said a 50-man committee has been set up in this regard.
According to a statement by the Head of the NCSCN, Blessing Akinsolotu, the visit became paramount following reports from certain quarters doubting the integrity of the refinery.
Recall that the inauguration of the 60,000 barrel-per-day production capacity plant by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, was met with celebration and fanfare.
This was after $1.5bn was approved in March 2021 and spent on the rehabilitation of the facility.
During the re-opening of the facility, there was lifting of petrol to the excitement of the cheering crowd.
The statement by the coalition reads, “It would be recalled that NNPC Ltd, just a few days ago in a historic achievement, announced having exceeded its set profit projection for the year 2024. The firm declared a whooping N3.29 Trillion, the highest in its history so far.
“Nigerians desired functional Refineries to alleviate sufferings of the People occasioned by incessant scarcity of Petroleum Products, especially during the festive season, to which NNPCL and the PHRC have contributed immensely.
“It can be seen that across the country within this yuletide season, there is remarkable stability in supplies and distribution of Petroleum Products at stipulated prices, unlike previous years. This is a good testament to the leadership competence at the NNPCL, coupled with the functionality of the PHRC.
“Furthermore, NCSCN has perfected arrangements to lead a 50-man Strategic Stakeholders/Head of Civil Society Organizations on an Independent Assessment Visit to the PH Refinery in January 2025 to interact with the Management with a view to furnish the Citizenry with first-hand facts and figures concerning Production Capacity and Operational Records of the Refinery. The findings at this strategic Working Visit shall be made public globally for the avoidance of doubts by Nigerians and interest groups.”
