The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has refuted claims that the re-streamed Old Port Harcourt Refinery has been shut down, stating that the refinery is fully operational.
This follows alleged reports suggesting a closure shortly after the refinery resumed operations two months ago.
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, made this disclosure in a statement via his official X handle on Saturday.
Soneye affirmed that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is fully operational.
He clarified that recent reports claiming its shutdown are false, emphasizing that the refinery’s operational status was recently verified by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC.
He stated “The attention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has been drawn to reports in a section of the media alleging that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery which was re-streamed two months ago has been shut down.
“We wish to clarify that such reports are totally false as the refinery is fully operational as verified a few days ago by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC.
“Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing.”
He emphasized that such claims were baseless and aimed at undermining the refinery’s operations.
The NNPC spokesperson urged the public to disregard the false reports, labeling them as the product of individuals seeking to create artificial scarcity and exploit Nigerians.
In November, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced that the Port Harcourt Refinery had resumed production following an extended period of rehabilitation.
However, the operational capacity of the newly rehabilitated Port Harcourt refinery has been under intense scrutiny.
