By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced the temporary shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) to carry out a scheduled one-month maintenance operation.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the exercise began over the weekend and is aimed at ensuring the safety, efficiency, and long-term viability of the facility.
“This is part of a sustainability assessment critical to the refinery’s functionality,” Soneye said. “We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, to execute the maintenance transparently and efficiently.”
The announcement has stirred concern among some local fuel marketers in Eleme—the refinery’s host community—who allege that unnamed officials may be sabotaging operations. NNPC, however, has dismissed those claims, stressing that the shutdown is planned and not indicative of operational failure.
Soneye reassured the public that the refinery remains functional and that there will be no fuel shortages. “There are adequate supplies of diesel, kerosene, and other petroleum products to meet current demand,” he stated.
He added that further updates will be provided through NNPC’s official communication channels, reaffirming the company’s commitment to energy security and operational transparency.
