The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), a key facility in Nigeria’s oil sector, is reportedly set to undergo a 30-day maintenance exercise. While the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) maintains that the refinery remains operational, local retailers and host communities express concerns over the timing and potential implications of the planned shutdown.
According to reports, some retailers claimed that the refinery was shut down on Thursday night. However, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that the refinery was still operational as of Friday and that a scheduled maintenance would commence soon. He emphasized that the maintenance is essential to ensure the refinery’s continued safe and sustainable operation.
Local retailers in Eleme and Okrika, communities hosting the refinery, have raised objections to the planned shutdown. They allege that the refinery coordinator, Engr. Bayo Adenrele, has ordered the shutdown for unspecified reasons, potentially to benefit a private refinery. In a statement, the retailers accused Engr. Adenrele of actions that could cripple the PHRC, depriving it of crude oil and halting its operations. They argue that such a move would lead to increased fuel prices and worsen economic hardship for Nigerians.
The group, speaking under the name Host Community Petroleum Bulk Retailers of Port Harcourt Refinery Depot, expressed their displeasure in a joint statement signed by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Sunny Nkpe; the BoT Secretary, Emmanuel Inimgba; Administrative Secretary and PETROAN spokesman, Dr. Joseph Obele; Administrative Chairman, Tekena Ikpaiki; and a board member, Dickson Obelley.
The retailers also criticized Engr. Adenrele for allegedly neglecting the rights and interests of the host communities during the refinery’s rehabilitation process. They claim that the communities were denied benefits such as contracts, empowerment opportunities, and scrap sales, while his associates were given undue preference. Furthermore, they alleged that his actions have hindered the completion of the refinery’s Critical Repair Unit and delayed full operations of its Area 1, 2, and 3 plants.
They warned that the planned shutdown might lead to job losses among youths from the host communities currently working on the refinery’s operations and maintenance (O&M) activities. The group has demanded the immediate appointment of a permanent Managing Director for the refinery, arguing that such a position would bring stability and progress.
In response to these allegations, NNPCL’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, denied any sabotage, explaining that the planned maintenance would adhere to global standards. He also assured Nigerians that there would be no fuel shortage, as adequate supplies of diesel, kerosene, and other products were already in place.
On a broader scale, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) also commented on the state of the refineries. According to the group’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, NNPCL refineries including Port Harcourt and Warri are currently not producing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at full capacity but are generating more naphtha. As a result, marketers are looking towards the Dangote refinery or imports for their PMS supplies.
The NNPCL had announced in November 2024 that the Port Harcourt refinery resumed partial operations after a $1.5 billion overhaul, and was operating at 70% of its 60,000 barrels-per-day capacity. Products from the refinery include 1.4 million litres of PMS daily, 1.5 million litres of diesel, 900,000 litres of kerosene, and 2.1 million litres of low-pour fuel oil.
Soneye further stated that the refinery has since ramped up production to 90% and rejected suggestions that it was merely blending imported products with local ones. According to him, all outputs were from the refinery’s own upgraded systems, not sourced from Indorama or other facilities.
Despite the explanations and assurances from NNPCL, host communities and stakeholders remain wary. They are calling for the intervention of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. They demand the immediate removal of Engr. Bayo Adenrele and swift action to prevent what they describe as sabotage of national infrastructure.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the management of Nigeria’s oil refineries and the delicate balance between operational needs, host community interests, and broader economic challenges facing the country.
