The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has clarified that the Port Harcourt Refinery that just commenced operations earlier in the week operates in strict compliance with global best practices.
This position was made by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer( CCCO) of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, who said the refinery produces top-quality petroleum products in line with international standards on Friday on his X handle.
Soneye explained that aside from the ceremonial truck load-out event, routine loading operations have progressed smoothly.
“The Port Harcourt Refinery operates in strict compliance with global best practices, ensuring the production of top-quality petroleum products. Following the ceremonial truck load-out event, routine loading operations have progressed smoothly. Trucks are being loaded daily to maintain a consistent and dependable supply chain,” Olufemi said.
The NNPCL spokesman urged Nigerians to disregard misleading information against the refinery. He assured that the Port Harcourt Refinery remained committed to transparency, excellence and meeting the nation’s energy needs.
“We urge the public to disregard misleading information from predatory media outlets and purveyors of falsehoods, as PHRC remains committed to transparency, excellence, and meeting the nation’s energy needs,” he added.
The statement was to disclaim a report by the host community of the refinery who claimed that the refinery had not commenced operations.
According to Secretary of Alesa Stakeholders (PH Refinery Host Community), Timothy Mbere, the product advertised by NNPCL on Tuesday was old stock from storage.
“As a member of the community, I can confirm with authority that the event we witnessed on Tuesday at the port Harcourt depot was merely a show. Some units of the refinery are functional, but it is not the entire refinery, as has been claimed in the media. The products advertised by NNPC as PMS from the Port Harcourt Refinery are actually old stock from storage,” Mbere’s statement read in part.