Eyebrow has been raised as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has officially announced the shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refining Company.
The NNPC announced in a statement on Saturday that the facility will be closed for a month in order to perform maintenance, as reported by media.
Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer for the NNPC, stated that the closure will start on Saturday, May 24.
“NNPC Ltd wishes to inform the general public that the Port Harcourt Refining Company will undergo a planned maintenance shutdown.
On May 24, 2025, the planned maintenance and sustainability evaluation will get underway, he stated.
In order to guarantee effectiveness and transparency throughout the effort, Soneye noted, the organisation is collaborating with pertinent parties.
“We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, to ensure the maintenance and assessment activities are carried out efficiently and transparently.
“NNPC Ltd remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering sustainable energy security for Nigeria.
“Further updates will be provided regularly through our official channels, including our website, media platforms, and public statements,” he stated.
According to the media, local gasoline merchants in Eleme, the neighbourhood where the refinery is located, opposed the proposal to close it and accused certain officials of sabotage.
Soneye refuted sabotage allegations, stating that the refinery’s safe and sustainable functioning would be guaranteed by the upkeep.
We would like to notify you that the refinery is still fully operational. To guarantee the facility’s continuous safe and sustainable operation, we are getting ready to carry out a planned major safety maintenance activity.
The anticipated duration of this maintenance task, which will adhere to international best practices, is one month. We have sufficient amounts of AGO, kerosene, and other items to guarantee a continuous supply throughout this time,” he stated on Friday.
