The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) has been shut down for over two months, sparking concerns about potential fuel shortages and price hikes in Nigeria.
Despite initial assurances that maintenance would last only 30 days, operations at the facility remain suspended, with no official communication from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The refinery was shut down on May 24, 2025, for a scheduled maintenance exercise aimed at enhancing efficiency and ensuring long-term viability.
However, the prolonged shutdown has raised questions about the transparency and accountability of the NNPCL’s management of the refinery.
The shutdown comes amid allegations of corruption and mismanagement of funds earmarked for the rehabilitation of the refinery.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating the sacked managing directors of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company over alleged mismanagement of funds amounting to $2,956,872,622.36.
The EFCC probe revealed that N80 billion was found in the account of one of the sacked MDs, sparking further questions about the transparency and accountability of the NNPCL.
Fuel retailers in the Eleme and Okrika communities, where the refinery is located, have expressed concerns about the impact of the shutdown on fuel supply.
They worry about potential shortages and price hikes, urging the NNPCL to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply during the maintenance period.
Key Players Under Investigation For Port Harcourt Refining Company Scandal
- Melw Kyari, former Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL
- Ahmed Adamu Dikko, former Managing Director of Port Harcourt Refinery
- Ibrahim Monday Onoja, former Managing Director of Port Harcourt Refinery
- Tunde Bakare, Managing Director of Warri Refinery
- Ajiya Isa, former Chief Financial Officer of NNPCL
