Lagos: The shutdown of Unit 10 at the Port Harcourt Refinery serves as a significant wake-up call for building long-term capacities and ensuring sustainability in the management and execution of refinery projects. A lawyer and engineer, Mr. Patrick Edward, shared this insight during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Edward emphasized the need for institutional reform in contractor selection, focusing on technical competence, global experience, and a verifiable track record. He also highlighted the importance of decentralizing oversight and granting more autonomy to refinery management teams while holding them accountable. “This is how we build long-term capacity,” Edward stated.
Edward further explained that the lessons from the shutdown include understanding that rehabilitation is distinct from sustainability. He noted that ensuring the sustainability of a refinery requires strategy, capable partners, and continuous support. “From what I’ve gathered and seen, the shutdown was triggered by a combination of inconsistent product quality, poor maintenance cycles, and-frankly-an underwhelming performance from the current contractor,” he remarked.
He stressed that contractors unable to deliver or respect local laws should not be involved in managing energy infrastructure. Edward urged for inclusive, accountable, and strategic leadership in managing national assets, emphasizing the need for the nation to leverage more on other raw resources beyond crude export.
Edward pointed out the irony of Nigeria being a crude-exporting, fuel-importing economy despite having raw resources. He described the shutdown as more than just a technical glitch, stating it represents a serious disruption in Nigeria’s ambition to boost local refining capacity. Edward warned that this cycle of shutdowns and blame games will continue unless there is an overhaul in the planning and execution of refinery projects.
He called for transparency in contractor selection and a more competent, accountable operations and maintenance framework. “If we don’t make bold decisions now, we’ll still be importing petrol in 2030, with all our refineries offline,” Edward cautioned.
NAN reports that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. recently announced the shutdown of Unit 10 in Area 5 of the Port Harcourt Refinery (PHRC), citing sustainability concerns. (NAN) www.nannews.ng>
