The Niger Delta Youth Network (NDYN) has expressed frustration over the repeated delays in the resumption of fuel production at the Port Harcourt Refinery, despite numerous promises from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The refinery, located in Rivers State, has seen several postponed restart dates, causing anger and suspicion among local youths.
In a statement by the group’s convener, Dakuku Francis, the NDYN criticized NNPCL’s failure to keep its commitments, accusing the company of deliberately scheming to exploit the region's crude oil resources. Francis highlighted that after six postponements as of August this year, the refinery is still non-functional, raising doubts about NNPCL’s intentions.
The group warned that the continuous delays could be part of a larger agenda to use the Port Harcourt Refinery as a blending facility for imported fuel, rather than producing fuel from local crude oil. Francis stated that this lack of transparency has created widespread distrust among the people of the Niger Delta, and questioned NNPCL's accountability and commitment to the development of the region.
“The NNPCL’s silence on the reasons for these ongoing delays has fueled speculation and concern. We are demanding clear answers and action. The uncertainty surrounding the refinery’s operations is deepening tensions, and we fear that public health and the region's resources are being jeopardized,” Francis added.
The youth group has called on NNPCL to provide a clear timeline for the refinery’s resumption and to honor their promises to the people of the Niger Delta. They insist that the continued neglect and broken promises have raised serious questions about the company’s true motives.
