The year 2024 just entered its second month, and Nigerians are yet to get an update from the federal government on the promise of a working Port Harcourt refinery by January 2024.

Development Diaries reports that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL) Limited, in December 2023, announced ‘a mechanical completion of phase one of the rehabilitation project’, with a hanging promise to ‘get the other plants running in 2024.

According to the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, 77.4 percent of the entire rehabilitation project was completed in December.

Since this announcement, Nigerians have patiently been waiting for another update on the 100 percent rehabilitation of the refinery, whether it has begun refining again, and what the positive outcomes are for the country.

Unfortunately, President Bola Tinubu, Minister of State Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, and Kyari have all been silent.

The latest development on this was news of the NNPCL seeking private companies for the operation and maintenance of the Port Harcourt refinery.

Unfulfilled promises by the Nigerian government have been a persistent issue that has significantly widened the trust gap between the citizens and the authorities.

The recurrent failure to deliver on commitments, whether in terms of infrastructure development, social services, or economic reforms, has eroded the faith of the Nigerian people in their government.

As citizens witness the persistent gap between rhetoric and action, they become more cynical about the government’s intentions and commitment to the welfare of the people

Development Diaries reiterates its calls to President Tinubu, the petroleum minister, Lokpobiri, and also the NNPCL’s boss, Kyari, to explain to Nigerians in clear terms when the Port Harcourt refinery would resume oil refining.

Photo source: NNPC Group