By
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has officially announced a scheduled shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) beginning Saturday, May 24, 2025.
This was made known through a statement issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Femi Soneye, on Saturday. According to the statement, the shutdown is part of a strategic maintenance and sustainability assessment aimed at improving the refinery’s operational efficiency and ensuring long-term reliability.
“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,” Soneye stated.
He added that the planned operation is in line with the company’s broader objective of revamping its downstream infrastructure and aligning with global best practices in energy production.
“This scheduled maintenance and sustainability assessment will commence on May 24, 2025,” the statement read.
The oil giant further reassured Nigerians that it is coordinating closely with all relevant regulatory agencies and stakeholders to ensure a seamless and transparent process. Specifically, NNPC Ltd said it is working in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and other strategic partners.
“We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the NMDPRA, to ensure the maintenance and assessment activities are carried out efficiently and transparently,” the statement added.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to meeting the energy demands of the nation, stating that the maintenance is a necessary step in securing the future of the country’s domestic refining capacity.
“NNPC Ltd remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering sustainable energy security,” Soneye emphasized.
The shutdown comes as the company continues efforts to revitalize the nation’s ailing refining sector and reduce the dependence on imported petroleum products. Although specific timelines for the duration of the maintenance were not disclosed, NNPC Ltd assured that further updates will be provided through its official communication channels.
This announcement is likely to raise concerns over fuel supply and pricing in the short term, especially given the strategic role the Port Harcourt refinery plays in Nigeria’s refining capacity. However, NNPC Ltd has not indicated any expected disruptions in fuel availability.
Nigerians are advised to stay informed through official NNPC updates as the situation develops.
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