NNPCL Showcases Operational Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Facility
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering the country’s petroleum production capabilities, showcasing the operational status of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) during a facility tour on Monday.
Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, led the tour, emphasizing the plant’s progress and dispelling doubts about its viability.
“We are taking you through our plant. This plant is running. Although it is not 100 per cent complete, we are still in the process. Many people think these things are not real. They think real things are not possible in this country. We want you to see that this is real,” Kyari stated.
The tour team included notable figures such as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, further highlighting the strategic importance of the facility.
Plant Capabilities and History
Situated in Ekpan, Uwvie, and Ubeji areas, the WRPC is a critical component of Nigeria’s energy infrastructure. The plant produces 13,000 million tons per annum (MTA) of polypropylene and 18,000 MTA of carbon black, meeting the demands of markets across the south and southwest regions.
Originally commissioned in 1978, the facility is managed by the NNPCL and has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s petrochemical industry.
The tour serves as a demonstration of the government’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the nation’s refining capacity, reducing reliance on imported petroleum products and ensuring the efficient supply of refined goods to key markets.
Looking Ahead
While Kyari acknowledged that the facility is not yet operating at full capacity, the tour signifies steady progress toward full functionality. Observers and stakeholders will be keen to see how this development impacts the country’s energy sector in the coming months.
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