The Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) has assured Nigerians that the ongoing Quick Fix Project for the Kaduna Refinery will be completed by December 2024.
This announcement was made by the Managing Director of KRPC, Dr. Mustafa Sugungun, during a community event in Kaduna State.
Speaking at the commissioning of the renovated Rido Community Primary School and a solar-powered borehole in Maraban Rido, Dr. Sugungun expressed optimism about the project.
He revealed that the Quick Fix Project aims to restore the refinery to 60% of its production capacity, equivalent to 66,000 barrels per day.
The project, worth $741 million, was awarded to Daewoo Engineering & Construction, a South Korean firm, by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Dr. Sugungun, represented at the event by Manager Operations, Mr. Emmanuel Ajiboye, said the refinery rehabilitation will create jobs and revitalize the economy.
He stated, “This project will bring immense economic benefits, create job opportunities, and boost local businesses and petty trading.”
The refinery, once fully operational, is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
This comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with high fuel prices and the challenges of a deregulated oil market.
The MD also highlighted KRPC’s dedication to improving the living conditions of its host communities through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
He said the renovated primary school aims to provide a better learning environment for pupils and teachers.
The solar-powered borehole, according to him, will help solve the issue of water scarcity in the Rido community.
Dr. Sugungun stressed the importance of collaboration between KRPC and the host communities for the success of the Quick Fix Project.
He said, “We urge the Rido community to support the refinery project. Together, we can achieve greater economic growth and sustainable development.”
The KRPC MD also emphasized the company’s broader CSR commitments, which include youth empowerment, rural electrification, and periodic medical outreach.
In her remarks, the Head Teacher of Rido Community Primary School, Mrs. Rachael Aduwak, praised KRPC for renovating the school.
She said the gesture will improve the quality of education and inspire pupils to learn in a conducive environment.
However, Mrs. Aduwak appealed to KRPC to do more for the school.
She said, “We appeal to KRPC to construct a perimeter fence for the school. Our classrooms also need tables, chairs, and chalkboards as most of our students are sitting on bare floors.”
The appeal reflects the ongoing needs of schools in rural communities across Nigeria, where inadequate infrastructure remains a challenge.
The Quick Fix Project at the Kaduna Refinery is part of a larger effort by NNPCL to rehabilitate the country’s ailing refineries.
This includes similar projects at the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries, which are also undergoing repairs.
Experts say these rehabilitation projects are crucial for Nigeria to regain control of its refining capacity.
