The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has issued a strong call to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari, demanding urgent action to restore operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery.
In a statement released today, the association urged Ojulari to prioritise the immediate repair and full rehabilitation of the refinery, describing its prolonged inactivity as a major setback to Nigeria’s quest for fuel self-sufficiency. IPMAN stressed that continued dependence on imported petroleum products is driving up costs and placing unnecessary pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
The marketers warned that if concrete steps are not taken without delay, the leadership of NNPC Limited should consider a change, including Ojulari’s resignation. They argued that efficient refinery operations are critical not only to stabilising fuel prices but also to safeguarding jobs and ensuring reliable domestic supply.
The Port Harcourt Refinery, one of Nigeria’s key state-owned refining facilities, has been undergoing a long-delayed rehabilitation programme. However, repeated project timelines have been missed, sparking frustration among industry stakeholders and the public alike.
IPMAN’s statement reflects growing impatience over the slow pace of refinery repairs, with many seeing it as a litmus test for the government’s commitment to reducing fuel importation and strengthening the downstream petroleum sector.
