By Udeme Akpan, Energy Editor

THE Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has signed a contract with African Refinery Port Harcourt Limited (ARPHL) to build 100,000 barrels per day, bpd, refinery within the Port Harcourt Refinery and Petrochemical Complex in Rivers state.

In a statement obtained from its official X handle, the Executive Director, Downstream of the NNPC Ltd, Dapo Segun, stated that on completion, the new refinery will produce petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and cooking gas for both the local and international markets.

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He stated: “NNPC Ltd.’s move to boost local refining capacity witnessed a boost today with the signing of a share subscription agreement between NNPC Limited and African Refinery Port Harcourt Limited for the co-location of a 100,000 bpd capacity refinery within the PHRC complex.

“The signing of the agreement is a significant step towards setting in motion the process of building a new refinery which, when fully operational, will supply petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and cooking and other petroleum products to the local and international markets and provides employment opportunities for Nigerians.”