Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja , Nigeria
After a series of setbacks and delays, the Port-Harcourt refinery, boasting a capacity of 210,000 barrels per day, appears poised to kickstart operations by the end of July, according to Chief Ukadike Chinedu, the National Public Relations Officer of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria.
Truth Live News gathered that announcement comes amid lingering skepticism from the Nigerian populace, who have grown accustomed to the ever-shifting goalposts surrounding the refinery’s reopening.
Chinedu’s proclamation exudes an air of optimism, emphasizing the anticipated economic upswing, reduced petroleum product costs, and a bolstered supply chain. He paints a picture of rejuvenation, describing the refinery’s transformation into what he hails as a “brand-new” facility, complete with revamped infrastructure and round-the-clock maintenance efforts.
However, amidst the promises of progress, concerns linger within the Nigerian public sphere. The protracted timeline and recurrent delays have sparked suspicion, with some dubbing the latest announcement as mere propaganda, particularly in light of the looming one-year mark since the current administration assumed office.
While Chinedu exudes confidence in the refinery’s readiness, asserting that it stands at a commendable “99 per cent” completion rate, a sense of apprehension permeates social media platforms, where Nigerians voice their apprehensions regarding the consistency of these assurances.
Indeed, the specter of past disappointments looms large, prompting many to adopt a wait-and-see approach, wary of placing undue faith in yet another promise of revitalization.
As the nation eagerly anticipates the refinery’s long-awaited reentry into operation, the burden of proof rests squarely on the shoulders of those tasked with delivering on these lofty commitments. Only time will tell whether the Port-Harcourt refinery’s impending resurgence will usher in a new era of prosperity or merely serve as another chapter in Nigeria’s saga of unfulfilled promises.