The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has officially dismissed reports and speculations suggesting that it is planning to sell the Port Harcourt Refinery. The clarification comes amidst growing public concern and misinformation circulating in sections of the media and online platforms.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NNPC Ltd emphasized that the Port Harcourt Refinery remains a critical national asset and is not up for sale under any ongoing or proposed transaction. The company reaffirmed its commitment to completing the ongoing rehabilitation project and restoring the refinery to full operational capacity.
“We categorically state that there is no plan whatsoever to sell the Port Harcourt Refinery. The refinery is undergoing comprehensive rehabilitation as part of our broader strategy to ensure Nigeria achieves self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products,” the statement read.
NNPC Ltd further reiterated that the rehabilitation project, which began in 2021 in partnership with reputable global contractors, is in its final phases, with mechanical completion expected soon. The refinery is projected to play a vital role in reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products and strengthening the country’s energy security.
The company called on the public and stakeholders to disregard any rumors or false narratives about the purported sale, describing such reports as “baseless and misleading.”
The Port Harcourt Refinery, one of the country’s largest refining facilities, has been the focus of intense national attention due to its strategic importance and the substantial investment made toward its revival.