The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State, urged the public and media to disregard the misinformation.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that the incident in question was a controlled flare operation, which has since been fully contained.
“There is no danger or health hazard to staff, the surrounding communities, or the environment,” the statement assured.
The clarification comes amid heightened concerns following a recent explosion on the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State. Shortly after, another explosion was reported at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, fueling speculation about possible militant attacks on critical oil infrastructure.
NNPC Ltd emphasized that the reports suggesting a refinery explosion were entirely false and called on media outlets to verify information before publication to prevent unnecessary panic.
The company reiterated its commitment to operational safety and assured the public that all refinery activities remain under strict monitoring to prevent any risks to personnel and host communities.
