The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has called on the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, to urgently repair the Port Harcourt Refinery or step down from his position.

In a statement signed by the association’s Eastern Zonal Secretary, Comrade, Emmanuel Inimgba, IPMAN decried the prolonged shutdown of the facility and criticised the handling of its $1.5 billion rehabilitation, describing the process as unprofessional.

According to the statement, the Port Harcourt Refinery was shut down on May 24, 2025, for planned repairs expected to last 30 days, but more than 80 days have passed without any notable progress or commitment under the new NNPCL leadership.

Inimgba said the prolonged closure has led to thousands of job losses, impacting tanker drivers, NUPENG members, PETROAN staff, IPMAN workers, and residents of host communities.

Inimgba stressed that reviving the refinery would generate jobs, stimulate the local economy, strengthen fuel supply and distribution, raise government revenue, bolster energy security, and improve living standards in host communities.

He alleged that credible sources confirmed contractors have abandoned the site over funding issues and that the NNPC GCEO has not visited the facility in four months.

While reaffirming IPMAN’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, Inimgba warned that the association would not tolerate actions by the GCEO that could undermine the president’s efforts.

‘’If the GCEO is unable to fix the Port Harcourt Refinery or demonstrate commitment to its rehabilitation, stakeholders and host communities will have no option but to call on President Tinubu to consider replacing him,” he added.

In May 2025, the Port Harcourt Refining Company was shut down for 30 days of maintenance, with the NNPC halting operations to inspect equipment amid concerns over potential disruptions to petrol supply.

The suspension came just six months after the $1.5 billion rehabilitation of the facility was declared complete on November 26, 2024.

Meanwhile, about two weeks ago, NNPC GCEO Bayo Ojulari, during a company-wide town hall meeting, ruled out any plans to sell the refinery, reiterating the company’s commitment to completing its high-grade rehabilitation and retaining ownership of the plant.