Warri Refinery Resumes Operations: A Step Forward for Nigeria’s Energy Sector

In a significant development for Nigeria’s energy industry, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed immense joy and optimism as the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company has resumed operations. After years of rehabilitation, the refinery’s restart marks a major milestone in the country’s journey toward achieving energy security and self-sufficiency.

Image: From the left, Honorable Bayo Onanuga with President Bola Tinubu

The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesperson, who highlighted the administration’s commitment to revamping Nigeria’s oil infrastructure. According to Onanuga, the refinery’s return to functionality is not only a win for the government but also for the millions of Nigerians who stand to benefit from enhanced energy efficiency and a more stable petroleum supply.

The Warri Refinery, which has a capacity of 125,000 barrels per day (bpd), is now operating at 60% capacity. This achievement aligns with President Tinubu’s comprehensive energy plan and reinforces public trust in his administration.

In his reaction, President Tinubu called the refinery’s reopening

“a remarkable way to end the year,”

particularly following the recent restart of the old Port Harcourt Refinery. He underscored that these advancements are evidence of his administration’s determination to restore Nigeria’s pride as a major oil-producing nation.

“The restart of Warri Refinery today brings joy and gladness to me and Nigerians,” President Tinubu said. “This will further strengthen the hope and confidence of Nigerians for a greater and better future than we promised.”

Image: C.E.O. of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari

President Tinubu commended the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, and his team for their relentless efforts in rehabilitating the refinery. He also emphasized that NNPCL’s role in restoring Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries is central to the nation’s energy agenda.

Under the current phase of operation, the Warri Refinery will produce and store critical petroleum products such as straight-run kerosene (SRK), automotive gas oil (AGO), and both heavy and light naphtha.

While celebrating the successful rehabilitation of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries, President Tinubu urged NNPCL to expedite repair work on the Kaduna Refinery and the second refinery in Port Harcourt, which has a capacity of 150,000 bpd.

“Our vision is clear: to make Nigeria a hub for crude oil refining in Africa,” Tinubu said. “These developments underscore our commitment to ensuring energy security, boosting the economy, and creating job opportunities for our citizens.”

The reopening of the Warri Refinery is a clear testament to the administration’s resolve to tackle long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. With this progress, Nigerians can look forward to a more stable and efficient energy landscape in the coming years.