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NNPC SHUTS DOWN PORT HARCOURT REFINERY FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced the immediate shutdown of operations at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) as part of a scheduled maintenance exercise. The development was confirmed in a statement released by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Femi Soneye. “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) wishes to inform the general public that the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) will undergo a planned maintenance shutdown,” the statement read. “This scheduled maintenance and sustainability assessment will commence on May 24, 2025.” According to NNPC Ltd, the maintenance is aimed at enhancing the refinery’s performance and ensuring long-term operational sustainability. The company is working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), 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,” the statement added. The company assured that regular updates will be provided through official channels, including its website and media platforms, to keep the public informed throughout the maintenance period. This is not the first time the Port Harcourt refinery has been shut down, as it was previously shut down in December 2024, shortly after operations resumed following a $1.5 billion rehabilitation exercise.

FIRE OUTBREAK HITS PORT HARCOURT REFINERY IN RIVERS STATE

A fire outbreak occurred at the Port Harcourt refinery in Rivers State on Wednesday, according to the National President of Petroleum Retailers Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry. The fire was quickly contained within five minutes of breaking out. “Yes, it is true that there was a fire outbreak in the Port Harcourt refinery, but it was contained in 5 minutes,” Gillis-Harry said. However, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has denied reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State. According to Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s chief corporate communications officer, the incident was a flare event that has since been fully contained. The company assured that there was no threat to staff, surrounding communities, or the environment. The incident comes hours after two explosions hit the pipeline Manifold and Trans-Niger Pipeline in the Omwawriwa axis of the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local and Bodo-Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State. This development coincides with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in the state, citing unresolved crisis and insecurity in Rivers.