NNPC Speaks On Alleged Explosion At Port Harcourt Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed claims of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State, clarifying that the incident was a minor flare issue that has been fully resolved.

In a statement on Wednesday, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, described the reports of an explosion as completely false.

Soneye assured the public that the refinery remains safe, with no risk to workers, nearby communities, or the environment.

“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has refuted reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State. The company clarified that what occurred was a flare incident, which has since been fully contained.

“There is no danger or health hazard to staff, the surrounding communities, or the environment. NNPC Ltd urges the media and the public to disregard any reports suggesting an explosion at the refinery, as they are entirely false,” he said.

“There was no explosion at the Port Harcourt refinery. What happened was a routine flare incident that has been contained. We urge the public and media to ignore any misleading reports suggesting otherwise,” Soneye stated.

KanyIDaily recalls that the NNPC recently announced that the Port Harcourt refinery resumed operations in November 2024 after undergoing extensive rehabilitation.