By Adedapo Adesanya

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) claims that the rejuvenated Port Harcourt Refinery is currently operating at 70 per cent of its installed capacity, with plans to ramp up to 90 per cent.

The association made this known to tackle the widespread narratives that the revamped oil facility is a mere blending plant and unproductive as touted.

Recall that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited on Tuesday announced that the Port Harcourt refinery has commenced crude oil refining and has started distributing petroleum products.

In a statement titled Halt the rumours: Port Harcourt old refinery is up and running, producing by-products of crude oil, and signed by its spokesperson on Thursday, Mr Joseph Obele, PETROAN noted that as part of its oversight function, it has direct access to the plant on the authorization of management.

It encouraged whoever is doubting the functional status of the plant to contact NNPC management for a facility tour rather than spreading misleading information

The statement further read, “It is more important to state here that the functional plant at operation is the old refinery with the capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, while the new port Harcourt refinery with the capacity of 200,000 barrels per day is still under rehabilitation which is due to commence production soon as announced by the management of NNPCL. Both Refineries are within the same complex at Alesa Eleme in Rivers State.

“The old Port Harcourt refinery which was built in the year 1965 stopped production over 21 years ago, while the new Port Harcourt refinery stopped production in the year 2019.

“Further confirmation for the authenticity of production at the Port Harcourt refinery was verified by the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources under the able leadership of Distinguished Sen. S A Kawu Sumaila, OFR Ph.D in conjunction with stakeholders and members of the host community. The Senate Committee was on fact-finding/investigation on Thursday 28th November 2024 at the Port Harcourt refinery and depot at Alesa Eleme to see things themselves.

“The senate committee saw the plant functional and Petroleum trucks loading at the Port Harcourt refinery depot. It is worth noting that PETROAN National leadership led by the National President Dr Billy Hary were in attendance at the senate committee visitation at the Port Harcourt refinery to welcome the committee and express PETROAN’S willingness to commence loading at the Port Harcourt refinery.

“PETROAN opined that the appropriate thing at the moment is to commend the team of NNPCL management led by Engr Mele Kyari that was able to revive a plant that has been moribund, deplorable and dormant for over 21 years.PETROAN hereby appraise the scorecard of Engr Mele Kyari as Excellent performance for reviving a refinery plant which was abandoned for 21 years when he wasn’t the NNPC boss

“PETROAN is optimistic that the Nigeria vision is achievable and hereby calls on Nigerians to be patriotic by believing in the renewed hope agenda of Mr President. Nigeria will work again.

“Regarding the price, NNPC Retail Ltd has officially announced the PMS price at the Port Harcourt refinery as #1,030 per litre. It was also communicated to PETROAN that the product request portal was open for booking /request.

“Meanwhile PETROAN’s strategic pricing team are currently analysing the most favourable price for her members as we are open to patronising all the refineries in Nigeria. PETROAN also implies that NNPC Retail Ltd should further reduce the price in view of giving Nigerians a blissful Yuletide celebration.

“Finally, PETROAN supports the proposed planned Privatisation of the nation-owned refineries in a no instance time in such a manner that is credible and transparent after which the plant should be handled over to a reputable private firm with the financial capability and technical knowledge.

“Most worrisome as a threat to lives and properties is the ugly condition of the Eleme East-west road. The road poses a serious threat to Petroleum trucks that will be conveying flammable products from the refinery depots.

“PETROAN encourages the Federal Ministry of Works under which the project was awarded to RCC to facilitate the ongoing repairs of the road.”

By Adedapo Adesanya

As part of its mission to elevate the effectiveness of public service across Africa, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation has launched the fourth cohort of the AIG Public Leaders Programme (PLP).

Delivered in partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, this initiative has successfully empowered 169 public sector leaders since 2021, advancing the Foundation’s mission to train 3,000 public sector leaders by 2030, equipping them with the essential skills to drive impactful reforms and strengthen service delivery in their Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The AIG PLP is an executive training programme that builds the capabilities of African public sector leaders, positioning them to deliver measurable results and foster cultures of integrity, excellence, and innovation.

The Foundation’s vision is to cultivate a new generation of leaders who can address complex challenges, implementing sustainable reforms that resonate across communities.

The programme has already showcased remarkable results as its alumni have implemented transformative reform projects in their various organisations, a core element of the curriculum, creating a ripple effect of positive change across sectors.

One such change project was implemented by Dr Ibiwunmi Olokun, Medical Officer of Health and Primary Health Care Coordinator at the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board and a member of Cohort 3 of the programme.

Dr Olokun led a project at her Primary Healthcare Centre that reduced patient waiting times from 70 minutes to 30 minutes. This successful model is now being adopted in other units and facilities within her health district in Lagos State.

Additionally, Mr Mohammed Ahmed, Director and Chief of Staff to the CEO of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and a Cohort 1 AIG PLP alumnus, has made strides in combating financial crimes in Nigeria.

His reform project focused on fostering partnerships between the government and the private sector to enhance financial intelligence aimed at tackling financial crimes.

Today, his efforts are reshaping financial crime prevention strategies in Nigeria through strategic public-private collaborations that empower the nation to address complex financial crimes more effectively.

The current cohort, which includes participants from Ghana and Kenya, has commenced virtual classes and is gearing up for an intensive, one-week residential programme in Abuja from November 18 to November 22.

During this time, participants will engage with the faculty from the Blavatnik School, Oxford, gaining strategic insights and practical tools to excel in their roles and to instil change within their MDAs.

With the launch of this new class, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation continues on its quest to reshape public sector leadership in Africa.

By empowering leaders with the tools to champion reform and advance efficient service delivery, the Foundation remains at the forefront of impactful public service transformation.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Like a golden fish which cannot be hidden, the excellence of Egbin Power Plc has been recognised in faraway Zambia, where it emerged as the Best in Safety Performance in Power Generation Company in Africa at the 2024 AfriSafe Awards held in Livingstone, Zambia.

The Nigerian energy firm received this accolade for its commitment to safety excellence through the implementation of a series of initiatives to deepen its safety culture.

“The company’s consistent dedication to creating a safe and sustainable working environment has set a new benchmark for the power generation industry in Africa.

“This well-deserved recognition is a testament to Egbin Power’s relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to high safety standards,” the founder of the AfriSafe Award, Mr Femi Dasilva, explained the reason for bestowing the award on the power generating organisation.

While receiving the award, the chief executive of Egbin Power, Mr Mokhtar Bounour, said, “This award is a testament to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of the board, management team and staff of Egbin Power. Our commitment to safety is not just a slogan; it’s a core value that permeates every aspect of our operations.”

“This award further validates our focus on deepening the culture of safety, and we are immensely proud of our team for making it happen. By working together, we have set a new standard for safety excellence in the power generation industry.

“We will continue to strive for continuous improvement and remain steadfast in our pursuit of a zero-harm workplace,” he assured.

The 2024 AfriSafe Award was graced by dignitaries, including ministers in the Zambian government, representatives of Nigeria’s House of Reps Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations. captains of industry and distinguished safety professionals from across over 24 African countries.

At a separate event held in furtherance of its commitment to safety excellence, Egbin Power held its annual QHSE Week, themed Egbin DNA: Building a Culture of Safety and Sustainability in the Workplace.

The Week was also attended by a delegation from the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) led by the National President, Stephen Awori Udezi; the chairman of the Lagos branch of the Institute Mr Sola Ogunleye; and others.

The high point of 2024 QHSE Week was the unveiling of the company’s new fire-fighting truck and also awards given to outstanding departments and employees who continuously demonstrated high commitment to improving Egbin Power’s robust safety management system, while upholding high safety standards in the course of duty.

Commenting on the annual QHSE Week, the Head of QHSE at Egbin Power, Mr Julius Akpong, said the company has a deeply entrenched safety culture and effective management system that guide employees and the company’s operations.

“At Egbin Power, we have built a strong safety culture and instituted a structured approach to occupational safety management over the years. Workplace safety is a priority and part of our core values: Safety, Professionalism, Integrity & Discipline, Commitment to Stakeholders, Environmental Consciousness and Sustainability (SPICES),” he stated.

In celebrating the week, employees participated in activities like family safety moments which included, aerobics, practical training sessions anchored by Nigerian Red Cross officials who enlightened staff and their family members on first-aid and firefighting techniques.