Residents of Warri are celebrating a significant milestone as the test run for the Warri Refinery has officially begun. Exciting videos and images of tower flames lighting up the refinery have been widely shared by locals on social media, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s push to revive its domestic refining capacity.
On April 18, 2024, a high-profile oversight visit was conducted by the Nigerian Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) Projects of Nigerian Refineries. Led by Senator (Dr.) Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, the committee assessed the ongoing rehabilitation at Warri Refinery. During this tour, the team reviewed the work status of various units, engaged with the refinery’s management team, and addressed any challenges alongside the contractor to keep the project on track.
The committee urged transparency and accountability in managing TAM projects, stressing that all documentation and progress should be closely monitored to meet the timeline and budget targets. In a positive assurance, they hinted at the refinery’s imminent return to full operations.
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Upon resuming operations, the Warri Refinery is expected to refine around 125,000 barrels per day, boosting the national supply of petroleum products.
The restart of the Warri Refinery, alongside Port Harcourt and others, is anticipated to lessen Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel. This shift is expected to stabilize fuel prices, enhance energy security, and save valuable foreign exchange for the nation.
The Warri Refinery’s test run represents a crucial step toward Nigeria’s broader energy goals. Updates from NNPC Limited and government officials shows the administration’s commitment to ensuring refineries across Nigeria meet operational targets. This move is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s foreign exchange spending on fuel imports, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for self-sufficiency in petroleum refining.
