The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced the temporary closure of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) for planned maintenance operations and sustainability evaluation.
The shutdown commenced on Saturday, May 24, 2025, as part of the company’s efforts to ensure optimal facility performance.
Femi Soneye, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, disclosed the development in an official statement released on Saturday, emphasizing that the closure represents a strategic move to maintain the refinery’s operational efficiency and long-term viability.
The maintenance shutdown comes as NNPC seeks to address technical issues and conduct comprehensive assessments of the refinery’s systems and infrastructure. The company indicated that the scheduled maintenance is designed to enhance the facility’s performance and ensure its continued contribution to Nigeria’s energy security objectives.
“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited wishes to inform the general public that the Port Harcourt Refining Company will undergo a planned maintenance shutdown,” Soneye stated in the official announcement. “This scheduled maintenance and sustainability assessment will commence on May 24, 2025.”
NNPC emphasized its collaborative approach to the maintenance process, highlighting coordination with regulatory authorities to ensure transparency and efficiency throughout the operation. The company confirmed it is working closely with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to oversee the maintenance activities.
“We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, to ensure that the maintenance and assessment activities are carried out efficiently and transparently,” the statement read.
The shutdown of the Port Harcourt refinery represents a significant development in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, given the facility’s role in the country’s domestic fuel production capacity. The refinery has undergone various rehabilitation efforts in recent years as part of government initiatives to revitalize the nation’s downstream petroleum sector.
NNPC reiterated its commitment to Nigeria’s energy security despite the temporary closure, assuring stakeholders that the maintenance work is essential for the facility’s long-term sustainability. The company pledged to maintain regular communication with the public throughout the maintenance period.
“NNPC Ltd. remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering sustainable energy security for Nigeria,” Soneye affirmed in the statement. The company promised to provide regular updates on the maintenance progress through multiple communication channels.
The petroleum company indicated that stakeholders and the general public would receive ongoing information about the maintenance activities through official platforms. “Further updates will be provided regularly through our official channels, including our website, media platforms, and public statements,” the company assured.
The timing of the maintenance shutdown comes amid ongoing discussions about Nigeria’s refining capacity and efforts to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products. The Port Harcourt refinery, along with other government-owned refineries, has been central to strategies aimed at boosting local production and achieving energy self-sufficiency.
Industry observers will be monitoring the duration of the shutdown and its potential impact on Nigeria’s fuel supply chain. The successful completion of the maintenance work is expected to enhance the refinery’s operational capacity and contribute to improved domestic petroleum product availability.
NNPC has not provided a specific timeline for the completion of the maintenance activities, indicating that updates will be communicated as work progresses. The company’s emphasis on transparency and stakeholder engagement suggests a commitment to keeping the public informed throughout the process.
