The Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company (WRPC), with a capacity of 125,000 barrels per day, is now operational, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to revive its refining sector.
This announcement was made by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, during a facility tour on Monday.
Addressing stakeholders, Kyari stated, “This plant is running. Although it is not 100% complete, we are making significant progress. Many doubted this achievement, but today, we are proving that Nigeria can deliver on its promises.”
He commended the determination of the NNPCL team and contractors, emphasizing their commitment to restarting a previously dormant facility.
The Warri refinery has commenced operations in its first phase, referred to as Area 1, capable of producing diesel (AGO), kerosene, naphtha, and other high-quality petroleum products. Kyari highlighted that these products will not only meet domestic demands but also position Nigeria as an exporter of refined petroleum products.
He also mentioned ongoing efforts to restart the Kaduna Refinery and complete other phases of the Warri plant, assuring stakeholders of more milestones in the near future.
Accompanying the tour was Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Located in Ekpan, Uwvie, and Ubeji areas of Warri, Delta State, the WRPC also boasts a petrochemical plant capable of producing 13,000 metric tons per annum (MTA) of polypropylene and 18,000 MTA of carbon black.
Originally commissioned in 1978, the refinery was built to serve markets in southern and southwestern Nigeria. The mechanical completion of the facility was initially scheduled for the first quarter of 2024, according to NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye.
This milestone follows the recent commencement of crude refining at the old Port Harcourt Refinery, as Nigeria advances its goal of becoming self-sufficient in petroleum product refining.
