Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational, NNPCL Insists

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reaffirmed that the Port Harcourt Refinery is fully operational despite recent reports suggesting otherwise.

In a statement issued by Olufemi O. Soneye, NNPCL's Chief Corporate Communications Officer, the company described the allegations of a shutdown as baseless. “Reports insinuating that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery has been shut down are false. The refinery was re-streamed two months ago and remains operational,” Soneye said.

The confirmation comes amidst skepticism from some quarters over the refinery’s functionality since its flag-off a month ago. Addressing these doubts, Soneye disclosed that the refinery’s operations were recently verified by former Group Managing Directors of NNPCL.

“Preparations for today’s loading operations are currently underway,” he added, emphasizing that the facility continues to meet its production goals.

Soneye also urged Nigerians to dismiss the false reports, stating, “These are figments of the imagination of individuals seeking to create artificial scarcity and exploit Nigerians. Members of the public are advised to ignore such misleading claims.”

The Port Harcourt Refinery has been a focal point of national attention as the government intensifies efforts to ensure self-sufficiency in refining petroleum products, thereby reducing dependence on imports and curbing fuel scarcity.