The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has completed the construction of a 150 million litres storage facility for the Port Harcourt Refining Company, as part of preparations for the full operations of the plant, the company announced on Wednesday. The storage facility, located in Atlas Cove, is part of the strategic measures taken by NNPC to enhance the downstream sector’s efficiency.

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NNPCL has also signed Build, Operate, and Transfer agreements for the rehabilitation of pipelines and storage facilities across Nigeria. The Atlas Cove Jetty, a crucial installation for the receipt and distribution of petroleum products to the western part of Nigeria, is now equipped with enhanced storage capacity to support increased operational demands.

In a documentary, NNPC highlighted its achievements in the downstream sector for the year 2023. The company’s retail arm distributed approximately 14 billion liters of white products, including Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), and Dual Purpose Kerosene (kerosene). NNPC’s commitment to supplying fuel to international carriers is evident with the creation of an aviation arm, aiming to serve multiple airlines in the future.

The mechanical completion of the Port Harcourt refinery’s Area-5 Plant was a significant milestone announced by the Federal Government on December 21, 2023. The refinery is expected to refine 60,000 barrels of crude oil daily after the 2023 Christmas break. NNPC emphasized its strategic approach to the rehabilitation process, ensuring governance processes and a firm foundation for success.

The documentary also highlighted key infrastructural developments to support the full operations of the Port Harcourt refinery. A fully automated storage capacity of 150 million liters at Atlas Cove was established, reflecting NNPC’s commitment to efficient and modernized operations. The company’s downstream sector aims to replicate these successes in other refineries, including those in Kaduna and Warri.

NNPCL, as the sole importer of refined petroleum products into Nigeria, plays a crucial role in the country’s energy sector. With ongoing efforts in rehabilitation, modernization, and strategic investments, NNPC is positioning itself for a more resilient and efficient downstream sector. The Port Harcourt refinery and the upcoming Dangote refinery are expected to contribute significantly to the availability of refined products in the market shortly.