NNPCL to temporarily shutdown Port Harcourt refinery

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

In an official statement released by NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the company explained that the temporary closure is part of a planned maintenance and sustainability assessment to ensure the refinery’s continued optimal performance.

“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. 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,” the statement added.

Soneye reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable energy, adding that regular updates will be shared through official NNPCL channels.

The Port Harcourt refinery, one of Nigeria’s key oil processing facilities, had resumed operations last year after years of rehabilitation efforts. This maintenance step is seen as part of NNPCL’s strategy to ensure the long-term reliability and efficiency of the nation’s refining capacity.