The revelation comes despite earlier assurances by the KRPC Managing Director, Dr. Mustafa Sugungun, that the $741million rehabilitation project awarded to South Korea’s Daewoo Engineering & Construction would be completed by the end of 2024.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced that it cannot provide a specific timeline for the completion of the Quick Fix Project for the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC).
The revelation comes despite earlier assurances by the KRPC Managing Director, Dr. Mustafa Sugungun, that the $741million rehabilitation project awarded to South Korea’s Daewoo Engineering & Construction would be completed by the end of 2024.
The project aims to restore the refinery’s 110,000 barrels-per-day capacity to at least 60% efficiency.
Speaking at the commissioning of a renovated Rido Community Primary School and a solar-powered borehole in Maraban Rido, Kaduna State, Dr. Sugungun reiterated NNPCL’s commitment to the welfare of host communities through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
However, he provided no update on whether the previously announced timeline for the refinery's restoration remains feasible.
The Kaduna refinery, which has been dormant for years, is critical to Nigeria’s efforts to reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.
The Managing Director, represented by the Manager of Operations, Mr. Emmanuel Ajiboye, emphasised that the success of the Quick Fix Project would deliver significant economic benefits, create job opportunities, boost petty trading, and support other local businesses.
Ajiboye explained that the school renovation aims to provide a conducive learning environment for pupils and teachers, while the borehole project is designed to address water scarcity in the community.
He reiterated KRPC’s commitment to sustainable development through various initiatives, including youth empowerment, rural electrification, periodic medical outreach, and other community-focused programmes.
He called on the Rido community to support the ongoing Quick Fix Project, emphasizing that its success would further strengthen the bond between KRPC and its host communities.
Meanwhile, Femi Soneye, the spokesperson for NNPCL, addressed reports claiming that staff had indicated December 2024 as the completion date for the KRPC Quick Fix Projects.
“We wish to clarify that the project is progressing steadily within the contractually defined scope of work,” Soneye stated.
“The planned completion date will depend on the successful completion of this scope and any additional work arising from third-party inspections of critical equipment. Once a definitive completion date is determined, it will be communicated accordingly,” he added.