The Port Harcourt Refinery Host Community Bulk Petroleum Retailers Association (HOSCOM) has pledged to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu to double the votes he secured in Rivers State in the 2023 presidential election if the Port Harcourt Refinery resumes full and sustainable operations before the next general election.
HOSCOM made the commitment in a signed statement after an emergency review meeting at its headquarters opposite the Port Harcourt Refinery Depot Gate, following President Tinubu’s renewed assurance that the nation’s refineries would be restored to efficient and profitable operations.
The statement was signed by HOSCOM’s BOT Chairman, Chief Sunny Nkpe; BOT Secretary, Emmanuel Inimgba; Administrative Secretary and Board Member, Dr Joseph Obele; and Administrative Chairman and Board Member, Tekena Ikpaiki.
The association described the President’s commitment as a significant development for Nigeria’s energy security and the economic recovery of Rivers State.
According to HOSCOM, the Port Harcourt Refinery remains a major economic asset, with more than 200,000 people estimated to depend directly and indirectly on its operations and related businesses.
It said the refinery’s prolonged inactivity had displaced workers, contractors, petroleum marketers and other businesses whose livelihoods were tied to the facility.
The association therefore urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to translate the President’s commitment into concrete action by accelerating all processes required to restore the refinery to sustainable production.
HOSCOM also commended the National President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Salimon Akanni Oladiti, for his advocacy for functional domestic refineries.
It said “Oladiti’s recent engagement with President Tinubu demonstrated commendable leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s energy security”.
The association further welcomed the proposed Technical Equity Partnership between NNPCL and Chinese firms for the restart and expansion of the Port Harcourt Refinery, pledging its cooperation to ensure the initiative succeeds.
HOSCOM stressed that the refinery’s revival would go beyond political considerations, noting that sustained operations would create jobs, stimulate businesses, strengthen local capacity, improve petroleum product availability and retain more economic value within Nigeria.
It called for “reliable crude oil supply, competent management, regular maintenance, technical efficiency and transparent product evacuation and distribution systems”.
While commending President Tinubu for accepting responsibility for the nation’s refining assets, HOSCOM said “a successful restart of the Port Harcourt Refinery before the next election will be a major achievement for the administration”.
The association declared that if the refinery becomes fully operational before the election, it would mobilise its members and supporters to reciprocate the achievement with political support for the President.
HOSCOM specifically pledged to work towards doubling the votes President Tinubu received in Rivers State in 2023, saying “the revival of the refinery will demonstrate that government commitments can translate into tangible economic benefits and opportunities for Nigerians”.
Blessing Ibunge
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