NNPCL Denies Explosion at Port Harcourt Refinery, Confirms Flare Incident

Fresh Oil Facility Explosion Reported in Rivers State

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted claims of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State, describing the reports as misleading. The company clarified that what was perceived as an explosion was merely a controlled flare event, which has since been fully contained.

In a statement released yesterday, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, assured the public that the incident posed no risk to staff, surrounding communities, or the environment.

“What occurred was a flare incident, which has since been fully contained. There is no danger or health hazard to staff, the surrounding communities, or the environment,” Soneye emphasized.

NNPCL urged the media and the public to disregard any reports suggesting an explosion at the refinery, reiterating that the facility remains operational and safe.

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Explosion Hits Oil Facility in Rivers State

However, just hours after the refinery flare incident, a fresh explosion was reported at an oil facility in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State, NIG

Local sources reported that the explosion occurred early Tuesday morning at a Manifold Connecting federal line in the Okwawriwa area of ONELGA. According to eyewitness accounts, residents awoke to find a massive fire engulfing the facility, though it remains at a considerable distance from residential areas.

The affected facility serves as a key transit point for transporting petroleum products from major oil companies, including Seplat, Agip, and Shell, through ONELGA and parts of Imo State before reaching Brass in Bayelsa State.

This latest explosion follows another fire incident that occurred less than 12 hours earlier, involving the Trans-Niger Pipeline operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). The pipeline, which transports crude oil to the Bonny Terminal, was engulfed in flames, raising further concerns about pipeline safety in the region.

Growing Concerns Over Pipeline Safety

The back-to-back incidents have sparked renewed concerns over the security and maintenance of oil pipelines in the Niger Delta region. Frequent cases of pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and operational failures have led to devastating environmental and economic consequences.

Industry experts are calling for stricter surveillance and improved infrastructure to mitigate risks associated with oil transportation. As investigations continue into the latest explosion, stakeholders are urging both the government and oil companies to prioritize the safety of oil facilities to prevent future occurrences.

Authorities are yet to determine the cause of the ONELGA explosion, but preliminary findings suggest possible sabotage or equipment failure. More updates are expected as investigations unfold.