The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has taken a significant step toward reviving the Port Harcourt refinery by engaging Honeywell UOP, a leading international technology firm, to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the facility’s current condition.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) revealed this development in a statement on Sunday, signed by Joseph Obele, the association’s national publicity secretary. Honeywell UOP, formerly known as UOP LLC, is a renowned American multinational specializing in cutting-edge technology solutions for petroleum refining, gas processing, and petrochemical industries worldwide.
PETROAN commended the group chief executive officer of NNPC, Bayo Ojulari, for awarding the contract to a trusted global partner, highlighting the importance of the assessment in attracting informed investments.
“This collaboration marks a critical milestone towards reactivating the refinery, ensuring potential investors have a clear and accurate understanding of the plant’s operational status,” the statement said.
The association also expressed strong support for the NNPC’s plan to revive the refinery through a Technical and Equity (T&E) partnership model, a framework already successfully implemented at the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant in Bonny. PETROAN urged the federal government to maintain transparency throughout the revival process and avoid political interference.
“We emphasize the need for reputable foreign companies to be fairly considered as technical and equity partners in managing the refinery,” the statement added.
Speaking on the initiative, PETROAN’s national president, Billy Gillis-Harry, noted that restoring the refinery’s operations would introduce a much-needed competitive dynamic in Nigeria’s downstream sector. He described the move as a vital mechanism to prevent monopolistic practices, promote fair pricing, and ultimately benefit consumers, retailers, and host communities.
“The operationalisation of the Port Harcourt refinery will provide essential price checks, safeguarding the downstream petroleum market against unfair practices,” Gillis-Harry said.
In addition, PETROAN praised President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure projects, particularly the ongoing rehabilitation of the Eleme expressway,a key transport route for petroleum products from the refinery. The association expressed optimism that the roadworks would bolster local economic activity and improve fuel distribution efficiency.
As Nigeria moves closer to revitalizing one of its critical refineries, industry watchers see this collaboration with Honeywell UOP and the adoption of the T&E partnership model as promising steps toward greater self-sufficiency and stability in the nation’s fuel supply chain.
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