The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has vehemently denied reports of an explosion at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), labelling such claims as completely false and misleading.
In a strongly-worded statement, NNPC Ltd set the record straight, disclosing that “operations at WRPC Area 1 were intentionally shut down on January 25, 2025, to facilitate routine maintenance and intervention works on critical equipment.”
The statement titled “No Explosion at WRPC, Routine Maintenance in Progress” signed by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, late on Friday, he noted that the maintenance works are essential to ensure the production of high-quality finished and intermediate products, including Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Kerosene (Kero).
The statement reads, “NNPC Ltd. wishes to clarify that there was no explosion at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). Any reports suggesting otherwise are completely false.
“On January 25, 2025, operations at WRPC Area 1 were intentionally curtailed to carry out necessary intervention works on select equipment, including field instruments that were impacting sustainable and steady operations. These intervention works are essential to ensure the production of on-specification finished and intermediate products, particularly Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Kerosene (Kero).
“The routine maintenance is progressing as planned, and Area 1 will be back in operation within the next few days. Despite ongoing interventions, over the past 11 days, AGO loading has been maintained at an average of eight trucks per day, with a sufficient supply available to sustain ongoing truck load-out operations.
“NNPC Ltd. remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted product supply and appreciates the patience and cooperation of all stakeholders as it completes these essential maintenance activities.
“Contrary to sensationalized reports, the refinery’s operations are expected to resume within the next few days, with AGO loading having been maintained at an average of eight trucks per day over the past 11 days,” it said.
The NNPC Ltd statement serves as a stern warning to purveyors of false information, emphasizing the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
