By John Umeh
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has disclosed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has contracted Honeywell UOP, a leading American oil and gas technology firm, to conduct a technical evaluation of the Port Harcourt refinery.
In a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Joseph Obele, the association described the move as a critical step toward restoring the refinery to operational status and attracting credible investors. Honeywell UOP, formerly known as UOP LLC, is a globally recognized firm specializing in refining, gas processing, and petrochemical solutions.
PETROAN commended NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, for commissioning the assessment, noting that the findings would guide investor decisions. “Engaging a technical partner to evaluate the refinery’s condition is a milestone that signals commitment to transparency and effective revival,” the group said.
The association further welcomed NNPC’s decision to pursue a technical and equity partnership model—similar to the framework used at Nigeria LNG in Bonny—arguing that it could improve efficiency and guarantee long-term sustainability. PETROAN President, Billy Gillis-Harry, emphasized that the refinery’s operationalization would help stabilize fuel prices and prevent monopolistic practices in the downstream sector.
“We urge that the revival process be transparent, free from political interference, and that reputable foreign companies be prioritized in management and equity agreements,” Gillis-Harry added.
Beyond the refinery itself, PETROAN also applauded President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, particularly the ongoing rehabilitation of the Eleme expressway, which it described as a lifeline for petroleum distribution from Port Harcourt. According to the association, the project’s completion would boost product availability and stimulate local economic activity.
The Port Harcourt refinery, one of Nigeria’s most strategic oil assets, has long been plagued by inefficiency and underutilization. Stakeholders now hope that this new assessment will mark a turning point in efforts to revive the facility and strengthen Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.
