The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced that the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) will commence a planned maintenance shutdown on May 24, 2025.
In a statement issued on Friday by Olufemi O. Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company said the shutdown is part of a scheduled maintenance and sustainability assessment aimed at enhancing operational reliability.
“We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to ensure the maintenance and assessment activities are carried out efficiently and transparently,” Soneye said.
The Port Harcourt refinery, which has undergone rehabilitation in recent years, is central to the country’s efforts to boost domestic refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
According to NNPC Ltd, the planned shutdown is a critical part of its broader strategy to ensure energy security and long-term sustainability in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
“NNPC Ltd remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering sustainable energy security for Nigeria,” Soneye stated.
The company assured the public that regular updates will be provided via its official website, media platforms, and public statements.
The maintenance activity is expected to align with industry best practices and contribute to the overall goal of achieving optimal performance from the nation’s refining assets.
The PHRC is one of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries and has been the subject of major rehabilitation efforts to restore full operational capacity.
Soneye emphasized that transparency and stakeholder engagement remain top priorities throughout the process.
