The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has temporarily shut down the Port Harcourt Refinery to begin planned maintenance and a sustainability review.
- Shutdown began today, May 24, 2025
- Maintenance is part of a scheduled assessment by NNPCL
- NNPC says activities will be efficient and transparent
- The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is involved
- Regular updates to come via NNPCL’s official channels
While the shutdown might raise eyebrows, it’s part of a long-overdue effort to ensure that Nigeria’s refineries don’t return to their old, dysfunctional ways. Port Harcourt Refinery only recently came back online after years of rehabilitation. By taking this maintenance step, NNPCL aims to avoid unplanned breakdowns and ensure long-term reliability. Still, Nigerians will be watching closely, especially with fuel supply and pricing always a national concern.
This is a test of NNPCL’s promise of sustainable energy security. Nigerians expect more than updates, they want results that last.
