The Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company (WRPC), with a production capacity of 125,000 barrels per day, has officially resumed operations, according to Mele Kyari, the Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Speaking during a visit to the refinery in Warri, Delta State, Kyari expressed confidence in the progress made so far, even as full optimization of the facility is still underway.
“As you can see, this plant is running. We have not completed it hundred percent; we are steaming the other part of the plant as we progress. But currently, this plant is running, and you’ll see what is happening — we are bringing product into the market,” Kyari said.
He also addressed skepticism surrounding the project, emphasizing the significance of the development for Nigeria’s economic growth and national pride.
“There are many people who don’t think this is real. But as you all know, there’s a lot of media talk all over the place, and people don’t believe real things can happen in our country,” Kyari stated.
“We believe this is pride for our country, and all of us have a stake — including media people — so this country becomes a greater place. It is already happening. I just want you to know that everything you see is real.”
The resumption of operations at the Warri Refinery is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products.
The move is expected to reduce the nation’s dependency on imported fuel and strengthen the domestic oil and gas industry.
The refinery’s rehabilitation aligns with the federal government’s broader strategy to revitalize Nigeria’s refineries, including the Port Harcourt and Kaduna facilities, as part of efforts to meet local energy demands and boost economic stability.