The acting managing director of Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), Mrs.

The Port Harcourt and Warri refineries were expected to resume operations by the end of December, according to the federal government.

According to Naijacrawl, the federal government had made it appear as though the two plants would begin operating in December and refine 160 barrels of crude oil each day locally.

The forecast indicates that by December, the Warri refinery will be producing 100 barrels per day, and by the same month, the Port Harcourt refinery will have contributed 60 barrels per day.

This was recently revealed by Senator Heineken Loikpobiri, the minister of state for petroleum (Oil), during a visit to the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC).

Lokpobiri was accompanied by the group chief executive officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, other top management officials, and the managing directors of the strategic business units of the oil conglomerate.

According to the construction manager, Femi Fagbuaro, who spoke for the MD of WRPC, the plant would start with 100 bpd, which represents about 60 percent of its installed capacity in December, and progress to hit optimal production capacity afterwards.

On his part, the MD of PHRC, Engr. Onoja, said the plant would commence operations with 60 bpd by December and ultimately hit over 200 bpd in December 2024.

Lokpobiri said, " That is why I have come, so that nobody will say I am in Abuja and making statements there; it is deliberate,, as I have called the MDs of the different refineries, who are there to give us daily reports about the progress made.

“You heard me when I said I would hold them accountable for the dates they have given to Nigerians.

“For now, I want Nigerians to be optimistic that if this rehabilitation is completed, we will put them to the best use for the benefit of Nigerians.

“The government owns NNPCL and the refinery, which is essential to the government.

“I want to see how this place can be fully rehabilitated so we can stop or reduce the quantity of products imported into the country.”