Breaking: Warri Refinery Roars Back to Life—Here’s What You Need to Know

By Achimi Muktar

In a move set to redefine Nigeria’s energy landscape, the Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company (WRPC), with a capacity of 125,000 barrels per day, has officially resumed operations. This marks a monumental step forward, coming just weeks after the Port Harcourt Refinery began production.

The announcement was made on Monday during a facility tour led by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Malam Mele Kyari. Accompanied by senior management staff and Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Kyari showcased the refinery's capabilities and highlighted its significance.

“This plant is running,” Kyari declared while addressing doubts surrounding the project’s feasibility. “Although it is not 100 per cent complete, we want you to see that this is real. Many people think such things aren’t possible in this country. But this plant is proof that they are.”

Inaugurated in 1978 under the administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo, the refinery, located in Ekpan, Uwvie, and Ubeji in Warri, Delta State, has long been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial aspirations. With its revival, the facility is set to produce 13,000 tons of polypropylene and 18,000 tons of carbon black annually, enhancing Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in petrochemicals.

Kyari emphasized that the progress being made is a testament to NNPCL’s commitment to revitalizing the nation’s oil and gas sector. As the facility ramps up production, optimism grows for Nigeria’s energy independence and economic growth.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Warri Refinery continues its comeback story.