Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, has renewed the government’s firm pledge to rebuild the National Oil Refining Company (SONARA) in Limbe. He assured that the state will provide full support to ensure the refinery’s complete restoration and return to full production capacity by 2027.
During an inspection visit to SONARA on October 9, 2025, the Prime Minister commended the progress made on the PARRAS24 reconstruction project. The project, estimated at FCFA 30 billion, is on course for completion by December 2027.
Expressing optimism about the project, Dr. Ngute said he was pleased with the level of work already achieved and confident that the refinery would soon be fully rebuilt. He stressed that SONARA remains a vital pillar of Cameroon’s economic stability and growth.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the 2019 fire that devastated the refinery, the Prime Minister noted that the cost of fuel imports since then has placed a heavy burden on the nation. He remarked that the funds spent could have financed the construction of several new refineries and warned that SONARA’s collapse would have a ripple effect on the financial sector, given its crucial role in both national and regional energy systems.
The PARRAS24 project, launched in August 2025, is designed to revive SONARA’s refining operations and secure a steady supply of petroleum products for Cameroon and the Central African sub-region. It integrates technical rehabilitation, staff capacity building, and strategic financial partnerships to guarantee long-term sustainability. Once completed, the refinery will be able to process up to 2.1 million tons of crude oil annually.
SONARA’s General Manager, El Hadj Bako Harouna, thanked the government for its unwavering backing and noted that the Prime Minister’s visit has greatly boosted staff morale. He emphasized that the leadership’s encouragement had strengthened workers’ determination to complete the project on schedule.
During a tour of the damaged unit, the Designated Facilities Manager, Léopold Ngotty Nsame, clarified that only a small section of the refinery was destroyed by the fire, contrary to public belief. He highlighted visible progress in reconstruction and pointed out the newly built areas that demonstrate SONARA’s steady recovery.
The visit brought together the Governor of the South West Region, Fako Division officials, traditional leaders, and SONARA’s senior management. It also formed part of the Prime Minister’s broader mission to the South West, which included launching salary arrear payments for CDC workers, inaugurating development projects, and attending political events in Limbe and Kumba.
Before departing, Dr. Ngute urged SONARA employees to remain dedicated to the refinery’s recovery efforts as a show of gratitude for the government’s continuous support. He also encouraged them to stand behind President Paul Biya in the upcoming October 12 elections.
With construction works progressing steadily, SONARA is expected to resume full operations by late 2027, marking a significant stride toward Cameroon’s energy independence and economic resilience.
source: panafricanvisions.com
African Energy Council