 has debunked claims of an explosion at its Port Harcourt Refinery in Eleme, Rivers){kind=link}
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has debunked claims of an explosion at its Port Harcourt Refinery in Eleme, Rivers State, clarifying that the fire incident was a controlled flare, not a blast.
A video showing flames at the refinery surfaced online on Wednesday, sparking concerns.
In the footage, a commentator claimed the facility “almost exploded” around 11:45 a.m. while undergoing a system shutdown.
The clip quickly went viral, fueling speculation, especially amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State and reports of pipeline explosions in the region.
However, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi O. Soneye, dismissed the explosion claims in a statement.
He explained that the fire was merely a flare event, which had already been contained.
“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has refuted reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State,” Soneye stated.
His clarification aims to dispel fears and assure the public that the refinery remains operational and safe.