The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has announced the commencement of a scheduled maintenance shutdown at the Port Harcourt Refining Company, beginning Saturday, May 24, 2025.
According to a statement issued by the NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the maintenance will last approximately one month and is part of efforts to ensure the refinery operates safely and sustainably.
“This scheduled maintenance and sustainability assessment will commence on May 24, 2025,” Soneye confirmed. “We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, to ensure the process is conducted efficiently and transparently.”
The announcement aligns with an earlier report by Saturday PUNCH, which hinted at the planned shutdown. The NNPC has since reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s energy security, assuring the public that necessary precautions are in place to prevent any disruptions in the supply of petroleum products.
Soneye further clarified that the shutdown is not due to sabotage, as some community members in Eleme, where the refinery is located, had alleged. Instead, the maintenance is a critical safety requirement following global best practices.
“The refinery remains fully operational, but we are undertaking this scheduled safety exercise to support continued safe and reliable operations,” he stated. “To ensure an uninterrupted supply of products like AGO and kerosene during the maintenance period, sufficient stock has already been secured.”
Local fuel retailers in Eleme have expressed concerns about the shutdown, fearing it could impact business and raise suspicions about internal sabotage. However, the NNPC dismissed such claims, urging the public to view the exercise as a proactive measure.
