Prime Minister Dion Ngute Renews Government’s Pledge to Fully Reconstruct SONARA by 2027
Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment 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 expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the PARRAS24 reconstruction project, valued at FCFA 30 billion and slated for completion by December 2027.
Dr. Ngute commended the technical teams and stakeholders involved, expressing confidence that SONARA will soon be fully operational again.
He emphasized that the refinery remains a cornerstone of Cameroon’s economic stability and national growth, vital to the country’s industrial and energy sectors.
Reflecting on the 2019 fire that severely damaged the refinery, the Prime Minister acknowledged the financial strain the incident has imposed on the nation.
He noted that the high cost of fuel imports since the disaster has significantly impacted Cameroon’s economy — funds that could have financed the construction of several new refineries.
He cautioned that SONARA’s failure would have a ripple effect on the financial sector, given its central role in the national and regional energy supply chain.
Launched in August 2025, the PARRAS24 project aims to restore SONARA’s refining capacity and secure a steady supply of petroleum products for Cameroon and the Central African sub-region.
The initiative integrates technical rehabilitation, workforce training, and strategic financial partnerships to ensure the refinery’s long-term sustainability.
Once completed, SONARA will have the capacity to process up to 2.1 million tons of crude oil annually.
SONARA’s General Manager, El Hadj Bako Harouna, expressed gratitude to the government for its steadfast support.
He stated that the Prime Minister’s visit has greatly boosted staff morale and strengthened workers’ determination to meet project deadlines.
During a tour of the damaged facilities, the Designated Facilities Manager, Léopold Ngotty Nsame, clarified that only a small section of the refinery was destroyed in the 2019 fire, contrary to public belief. He showcased the newly reconstructed areas and highlighted visible progress that reflects SONARA’s steady recovery.
The visit brought together the Governor of the South West Region, Fako Division officials, traditional rulers, and SONARA’s senior management.
It formed part of the Prime Minister’s broader mission to the region, which also included launching salary arrear payments for CDC workers, inaugurating local development projects, and attending political engagements in Limbe and Kumba.
Before concluding his visit, Dr. Ngute urged SONARA employees to remain committed to the refinery’s recovery as a demonstration of their gratitude for the government’s continued support.
He also encouraged them to stand behind President Paul Biya in the upcoming October 12 elections.
With reconstruction efforts advancing on schedule, SONARA is projected to resume full operations by late 2027, marking a major milestone toward Cameroon’s energy independence and economic resilience.
