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PETROAN backs NNPC’s T&E model and UOP assessment contract
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Oil marketers push for foreign technical partners to boost refinery efficiency
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Revival seen as crucial for competitive pricing, local economy, and energy security
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called on the Federal Government to engage reputable foreign companies as technical and equity partners in reviving the Port Harcourt refinery.
The association praised the NNPC Group CEO, Engr Bayo Ojulari, for initiating the process that could see a private firm participate in the management of the refinery under the Technical and Equity (T&E) partnership model.
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PETROAN highlighted the award of an assessment contract to UOP, a renowned international firm, as a positive step toward restoring refinery operations.
“PETROAN commends NNPC for engaging a technical partner to assess the plant’s condition, allowing informed decision-making by potential investors.
This is a critical move to restore refinery functionality and operational efficiency,” the statement signed by Dr Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s National PR Officer, read.
The association stressed that operationalising the refinery would act as a price check mechanism, curbing monopoly practices and protecting stakeholders, host communities, retailers, and consumers. Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, PETROAN President, also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting infrastructure development, particularly the ongoing repair of Eleme Express Road, a key route for petroleum transport.
PETROAN urged that the revival process remain transparent, expedited, and free from political interference, advocating fair consideration of qualified foreign partners to guarantee efficiency and economic impact.
In a related development, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) had earlier pressed NNPC to expedite the refinery’s rehabilitation, warning that delayed operations had caused significant job losses across the downstream sector.
READ ALSO: Nationwide Fuel Disruption Looms as PETROAN Orders Petrol Station Shutdown
The Port Harcourt Refinery, previously shut down for maintenance in May 2025, represents a $1.5 billion investment critical to energy security and local economic growth.
