Oil Marketers Demand Immediate Action: "Fix Port Harcourt Refinery or Resign", IPMAN Tells NNPC GCEO.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Bayo Ojulari. The association demands the immediate rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery or Ojulari's resignation, citing prolonged inactivity and economic repercussions.

 

The Port Harcourt Refinery was shut down on May 24, 2025, for a scheduled 30-day maintenance. However, over 80 days later, the facility remains inactive, leading to widespread job losses and economic strain in the region. IPMAN's Eastern Zonal Secretary, Emmanuel Inimgba, expressed concerns over the stalled $1.5 billion rehabilitation project, labeling its management as unprofessional.

Key Issues Highlighted by IPMAN:

- Prolonged Shutdown: The refinery's inactivity has surpassed the planned maintenance period, with no clear timeline for resumption.

- Economic Impact: Thousands of jobs have been lost, affecting tanker drivers, NUPENG members, PETROAN staff, IPMAN workers, and host community members.

- Contractor Withdrawal: Credible sources indicate that contractors have withdrawn from the site due to unpaid funds.

- *Lack of Oversight:* GCEO Bayo Ojulari has reportedly not visited the refinery in the four months since assuming office.

Calls for Accountability: 

Inimgba emphasized that if the GCEO cannot fix or show commitment to the refinery's rehabilitation, stakeholders will call on President Tinubu to replace him. He stated, "If the GCEO is unable to fix the Port Harcourt Refinery or demonstrate commitment to its rehabilitation, stakeholders and host communities will have no option but to call on President Tinubu to consider replacing him".

PETROAN's Concerns:

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) also criticized the slow pace of work. Eastern Zonal Chairman Sunny Nkpe expressed alarm at the lack of visible progress during a recent inspection, noting that contractors lamented being owed for over 12 months without funding.

NNPC's Position:

GCEO Bayo Ojulari recently ruled out the sale of the Port Harcourt Refinery, reaffirming the company's commitment to completing high-grade rehabilitation before resuming full operations. He clarified that the decision is based on detailed technical and financial reviews of the Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri refineries.

The prolonged shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refinery has elicited strong reactions from key stakeholders in Nigeria's oil sector. With mounting economic pressures and calls for accountability, the NNPC faces increasing scrutiny to expedite the refinery's rehabilitation and restore its operations.