The Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company (WRPC), capable of processing 125,000 barrels of crude oil per day, has successfully restarted its operations in Warri, Delta State.
NNPCL CEO Confirms Facility’s Operational Status
Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, announced the recommencement during a facility tour on Monday. Kyari emphasized the milestone by stating, “We are taking you through our plant. This plant is running. Although it is not 100 percent complete, we are still in the process.”
Celebrating Team’s Determination and Vision
Kyari praised the team’s relentless effort, saying, “I must congratulate our team for their determination and extreme belief that this company can restart this plant. This has brought the result we are seeing in collaboration with our contractors.”
Operational Phases and Product Output
The refinery has begun with Area 1, which is currently producing diesel (AGO), kerosene, naphtha, among other high-quality products. This restart is part of a broader plan to make Nigeria an exporter of petroleum products, fulfilling the President’s vision.
National Refinery Revival Underway
The CEO highlighted the President’s directive to revive all three national refineries, noting, “We have successfully started the Port Harcourt 65,000 barrels per day refinery. We have also started the Area 1 of the Warri refinery.” He teased further developments, saying, “Kaduna is also on stream. We are not going to give you a date but we will surprise you.”
Regulatory Oversight and Facility Details
The tour included key figures like Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), ensuring regulatory compliance and oversight.
Historical and Strategic Significance of WRPC
Located in Ekpan, Uwvie, and Ubeji in Warri, this refinery, which was commissioned in 1978, serves the south and southwest markets of Nigeria. Apart from refining, it also produces polypropylene and carbon black, with capacities of 13,000 MTA and 18,000 MTA respectively.
Timeline and Future Expectations
The mechanical completion of the Warri refinery was initially planned for the first quarter of 2024. This successful restart follows closely on the heels of the Port Harcourt refinery’s operations commencement, signaling a significant step towards self-sufficiency in petroleum products for Nigeria.
