NNPC, Daewoo Partner For Speedy Repair Of Kaduna Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Daewoo Engineering Construction Nigeria Limited have signed a maintenance service contract for the quick-fix repairs of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited (KRPC).

Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPCL, and CEO of Daewoo E&C Nigeria, Mr Jung Taewon, signed the contract on behalf of their respective organisations.

The proposed quick-fix initiative on KRPC is expected to restore it to a minimum of 60 percent of its nameplate capacity by the fourth quarter of 2024.

Kyari said restoring local refining capacity would guarantee energy sufficiency, being one of the key things Nigeria required for economic growth.

“There is no way a developing country will talk about energy transition without talking about petroleum products. We understand engagements and conversation around energy transition but we need the liquids of today.

“The only way we can guarantee that is to have local refining capacity restored. We are conscious of the fact that our four refineries in three locations are down now, undergoing a rehabilitation process.

“Port Harcourt is on course, Warri is also on schedule and we are committing to this Kaduna refinery. Ultimately our 18 million litres per day gasoline production capacity will be restored.

“This will also complement the production start off of Dangote refinery in which we have 30 percent equity, we are hopeful that Nigeria will be self-sufficient in the supply of petroleum products, particularly gasoline in 2023,” Kyari said.

While expressing hope for the project to be delivered on schedule, Kyari assured the company of safety and security, adding that there would be no risk to its personnel in the course of carrying out their duties.

Earlier, Mr Yemi Adetunji, Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPCL said the development marked a milestone in the history of KRPC considering that the last Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) on the refinery occurred about 15 years ago.

Adetunji said the project was framed after extensive engagement with Daewoo on the Quick-Fix strategy to repair and re-stream KRPC and operate it on a sustainable basis at a minimum capacity utilisation of 60 percent.