The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the partial resumption of operations at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), marking a milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to revive its local refining capacity. The refinery, which had been dormant since 2015 due to prolonged repairs, began refining crude oil last Saturday at its Area 1 plant.

This development follows the recent commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery’s 60,000-barrel-per-day facility, signaling progress in the country’s push to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, disclosed the resumption during a tour of the Warri Refinery on Monday. Accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, Kyari addressed the tour group, emphasizing that the resumption of operations is evidence of ongoing progress.

“We are taking you through our plant. This plant is running,” Kyari said in a video shared by Channels TV. “Although it is not 100 percent complete, operations have commenced. Many people think these things are not real or possible in this country. We want you to see that this is real.”

The Warri Refinery’s restart underscores the federal government’s commitment to reviving the country’s refining sector after years of operational setbacks and costly fuel imports. While repairs are still ongoing, the resumption of partial operations represents a significant step toward achieving functional and self-sufficient refining infrastructure in Nigeria.