The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has commenced a one-month shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refinery for routine maintenance. The scheduled shutdown, which began today, 24 May 2025, is part of the company’s strategy to enhance operational safety and long-term efficiency.
Shutdown for critical inspection, says NNPC
In a statement issued Saturday by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPCL described the shutdown as a planned and essential routine inspection aimed at boosting the reliability of the country’s refining infrastructure.
“This is not an unexpected event. Such maintenance checks are critical to keeping the refinery running safely and efficiently in the long term,” Soneye stated.
Refinery operations under capacity since 2024
The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), located in Alesa-Eleme, Rivers State, includes two refineries: an older 60,000 bpd unit and a newer 150,000 bpd unit, with a combined capacity of 210,000 barrels per day.
Furthermore, the facility resumed production in November 2024 after a $1.5 billion rehabilitation but has reportedly been operating at below 40% capacity.
The refinery has faced intermittent downtimes since its relaunch.
But in December 2024, NNPC briefly halted operations, which immediately triggered public doubts about the refinery’s reliability.
Morever, NNPCL debunked those reports, branding them “figments of imagination aimed at causing artificial scarcity.”
Retailers, PETROAN raise concerns
Local fuel marketers in Eleme have voiced fears over potential supply disruptions. Some even accuse NNPCL insiders of deliberate sabotage.
Meanwhile, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) criticised the delay in commissioning the full 210,000 bpd plant, which was initially scheduled to be operational six months ago.
PETROAN also renewed its call for the appointment of a substantive Managing Director to take charge of the refinery’s lingering operational challenges.
Ongoing refinery audit and anti-graft probe
This maintenance follows a sweeping shake-up in April 2025, when managing directors of Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries were dismissed.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating alleged misappropriation of over $1.56 billion allocated to the Port Harcourt rehabilitation project.
NNPC assures Nigerians of steady fuel supply
Despite the backlash, NNPCL maintains that the temporary closure will not affect fuel availability, citing contingency measures to stabilise supply during the maintenance window.
“NNPCL remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering sustainable energy security for Nigeria,” Soneye affirmed.
The company pledged to provide timely updates via its official platforms throughout the maintenance period.
Refining capacity under scrutiny as Dangote ramps up
This shutdown underscores the fragile state of Nigeria’s refining sector, even as the Dangote Refinery gradually increases domestic output.
Industry analysts say successful maintenance of Port Harcourt’s plant is vital if Nigeria hopes to cut fuel imports and strengthen energy self-sufficiency.
As NNPCL embarks on this scheduled exercise, stakeholders are cautiously hopeful that the Port Harcourt Refinery will return stronger.
With transparency and competent oversight, the facility could become a cornerstone in Nigeria’s journey towards refining independence.