BY SAM OTUONYE 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced a scheduled maintenance shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), effective Saturday, May 24, 2025.

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the company, Olufemi Soneye, said the temporary closure is part of a pre- planned maintenance and sustainability assessment aimed at ensuring optimal performance of the refinery.

“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 partly read.

“This scheduled maintenance and sustainability assessment will commence on May 24, 2025. We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to ensure the 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,” Soneye added.

The communication chief clarified that the refinery had been operating seamlessly for a year and the temporary shutdown is not as a result of operational failure but a normal maintenance routine.

“The refinery has been working for one year. Our action was for routine maintenance and a sustainability test. It was not shut down, please,” he emphasised.