The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPCL has announced the temporary shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refinery, citing a scheduled maintenance exercise aimed at optimizing operations and ensuring long-term efficiency.
In a statement released on Friday, NNPCL emphasized that the move is a proactive measure to enhance the plant’s performance ahead of full-scale production. The company assured Nigerians that the exercise is routine and will not significantly impact fuel supply across the country.
“This maintenance is part of our standard operational procedure to ensure the refinery meets global safety and production standards,” the statement read.
The shutdown comes just months after high public expectations surrounded the refinery’s long-awaited revival. While some industry watchers raised concerns over timing, NNPCL maintained that all necessary logistics had been put in place to avoid any disruption in the supply chain.
Marketers and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm as the maintenance is expected to be completed within the stipulated timeline, with operations resuming shortly thereafter.
The Port Harcourt Refinery, once fully operational, is projected to refine up to 60,000 barrels per day in its first phase, boosting Nigeria’s drive for energy self-sufficiency.
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