By Atoyebi Nike
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed that the Port Harcourt Refining Company will shut down for maintenance starting Saturday, May 24, 2025.
This aligns with earlier reports that the refinery would pause operations. In a statement on Saturday, the company said the move is part of a scheduled safety and sustainability check.
Olufemi Soneye, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, said the company is working with regulators to carry out the exercise properly.
“We are working with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, to ensure the process is efficient and transparent,” he said.
Local fuel sellers in Eleme, where the refinery is located, have raised concerns. They allege that the shutdown could be linked to sabotage. But Soneye dismissed those claims, stressing that the exercise is necessary to keep the plant safe and running.
He added, “The refinery is still operational for now. The upcoming maintenance is planned and aims to keep the facility safe and sustainable.”
He said the maintenance will last about one month and follow global safety standards.
To ease public concerns, NNPCL said there is enough diesel, kerosene, and other fuel products in stock to ensure steady supply during the shutdown.
The Port Harcourt refinery is a key part of Nigeria’s energy plans. NNPCL said the maintenance supports its long-term goal to improve local refining and ensure energy security.
