The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has clarified that there was no explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State.
NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, who made the clarification in a statement on Wednesday, said it was necessary to douse the tension generated by the earlier reports of explosion at the complex.
The national oil company clarified that what occurred was a flare incident, which has since been fully contained.
It noted that there was no danger or health hazard to staff, the surrounding communities, or the environment.
It therefore urged the media and the public to disregard any reports suggesting an explosion at the refinery, as they are entirely false.
NNPC also noted that despite a minor incident at a section of the refinery, the plant remains operational and continues to produce on-spec refined petroleum products.
It assures the public that there is no cause for concern, as all sections of the recently rehabilitated plant are in full operation.
