By Charles Pemu 
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has fully commenced a planned shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) to carry out scheduled maintenance and a comprehensive sustainability assessment. The exercise, which began on May 24, 2025, aims to enhance the refinery’s long-term performance and reliability.
In a statement issued by NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Femi Soneye, the company described the shutdown as a proactive step to ensure the facility operates at optimal standards. It also reassured the public of minimal disruption during the process.
“We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to ensure a transparent and efficient maintenance operation,” the statement read.
The company emphasized its continued commitment to energy security and operational excellence, promising regular updates through its official channels, including its website and media platforms.
This latest shutdown follows a similar maintenance pause in December 2024, shortly after the refinery resumed operations following a $1.5 billion rehabilitation.