By Danlami Nmodu
Security forces are believed to be working to unravel the circumstances behind the sudden collapse of the system at the Port Harcourt Refinery in September, despite all efforts to revive it.
Highly placed industry sources told News Diary Online that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC Limited had in fact worked tirelessly to ensure the resumption of refining activities at the Port Harcourt Refinery in September.
“They didn’t fail to keep their promise” a source familiar with activities within the industry revealed.
The insider added that in fact, the refining of AGO was programmed to begin September. “Yes, it is AGO, not PMS yet” the source said, insisting the operators planned to extend the activities to refining of PMS.
News Diary Online learnt that the unexpected happened when, in simple terms: the cooling and heating system which was central to the operations suddenly crashed.
In technical terms, PortHarcourt Refinery was ready to begin production of AGO insiders reaffirmed.But the unfortunate twist made it impossible.
“We believe the security may be investigating the circumstances behind the crash of the system”, revealed a source who was not authorised to speak on the matter.
It was further learnt NNPC is working assiduously to revive the system at the PortHarcourt refinery with the appropriate measures.The officials, it said, may not give any deadline.
The source insisted NNPC is not as bad as it is being painted.The company has moved from being a state-owned corporation to a limited liability company.Naturally, there could be cultural issues. Nevertheless, the company has some of the best trained and competent workers, the insider maintained.
Of late, NNPC has been, literally, in the eye of the storm, with the commencement of activities at Dangote refinery.The reported PMS pricing issues and crude delivery or lack of it has put NNPC under intense spotlight.
Insiders however said NNPC is changing positively and there are better days ahead for Nigeria.
For the average Nigerian though, it is the price of petrol, which has ripple effects on economic activities, that remains a major concern.
