The National Civil Society Coalition (NCSCN), an umbrella body for civil society organizations in Nigeria, has announced plans for an independent assessment of the Port Harcourt Refinery in January 2025.

According to Blessing Akinsolotu, the Head of NCSCN, a 50-member committee has been established for the visit. This move follows concerns from some quarters questioning the refinery’s integrity despite its recent rehabilitation.

The refinery, with a production capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, was reopened on November 26, 2024, amidst celebration. The $1.5 billion rehabilitation project, approved in March 2021, had raised expectations for improved fuel supply.

In a statement, the coalition highlighted the NNPC Limited’s success in stabilizing fuel distribution during the festive season, citing the company’s record profit of ₦3.29 trillion in 2024 as evidence of strong leadership.

The visit aims to provide transparency on the refinery’s production capacity and operations, with findings to be shared publicly to address any lingering doubts.