Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced a temporary shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) as part of a planned maintenance and facility assessment programme. The move comes as part of the company’s commitment to long-term energy security and operational efficiency in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
In an official statement released by NNPC Ltd on Thursday, the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi O. Soneye, emphasized that the shutdown is a strategic and proactive step toward ensuring the long-term functionality and safety of the refining facility.
“We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to ensure that maintenance and assessment activities are carried out efficiently and transparently,” Soneye said.
While the statement did not disclose specific dates for the maintenance period or how long the shutdown would last, it assured the public that NNPC Ltd would continue to provide regular updates through official channels, including its website, media platforms, and public briefings.
The Port Harcourt Refining Company is one of Nigeria’s key refining assets and has been at the centre of national efforts to revive domestic petroleum refining capabilities. The facility recently began limited operations following rehabilitation efforts aimed at reducing Nigeria’s dependency on imported refined petroleum products.
Energy analysts say the shutdown, though temporary, could pose short-term challenges for fuel distribution in the region if not properly managed. However, they also agree that periodic maintenance is critical to preventing larger operational failures and ensuring the longevity of the refinery’s core infrastructure.
“This shutdown may cause a slight ripple in the downstream sector, but it’s a necessary trade-off for long-term efficiency,” said Tolu Adebayo, a petroleum industry analyst.
NNPC Ltd reiterated its broader strategic focus, stating, “NNPC Ltd remains committed to delivering sustainable energy security for Nigeria.” The corporation has positioned itself at the forefront of reforming Nigeria’s petroleum sector, following its transformation from a government parastatal into a commercially driven limited liability company under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021.
The planned maintenance at PHRC underscores NNPC Ltd’s effort to align with international best practices and regulatory compliance, ensuring that Nigeria’s refining infrastructure remains reliable, safe, and efficient for future energy demands.
As Nigeria continues to work toward reducing its reliance on fuel imports, the performance and stability of local refineries like Port Harcourt will remain critical to the country’s energy future.
