Monday’s declaration by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd seems to have largely awakened the soul of Nigeria as nit comes weeks after the Port Harcourt Refinery resumed operation.
The paralysis of all the four refineries the country owns had been seen by many as a near-death of its essence.
Apart from the economic disruptions the collapse sparked, importing petroleum products is regarded by many as a big slap on the nation’s destiny since it is blessed with oil.
But more respite came on Monday when NNPCL Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, announced that Warri Refinery is back.
A video posted by Channels TV on Monday showed Kyari addressing a tour team, which included the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed.
Before the tour commenced, Kyari explained that the inspection aimed to show Nigerians the level of work completed so far.
According to him, although the repairs on the facility are not yet 100 per cent complete, operations have commenced.
He said, “We are taking you through our plant. This plant is running. Although it is not 100 per cent complete, we are still in the process. Many people think these things are not real. They think real things are not possible in this country. We want you to see that this is real.”
Located in Ekpan, Uwvie, and Ubeji, Warri, the petrochemical plant produces 13,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTA) of polypropylene and 18,000 MTA of carbon black.
