(DDM) — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has confirmed that its refineries in Warri and Port Harcourt remain shut, with no operational activity recorded for several months.
The Warri refinery has been out of service since January 2025, while the Port Harcourt refinery has remained closed since May 2025, raising concerns among industry stakeholders and policymakers.
(Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered) that the prolonged closures have exacerbated supply challenges in the downstream petroleum sector, contributing to fluctuating fuel availability and concerns over the stability of the nation’s energy supply chain.
According to a recent factsheet released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), neither refinery recorded any Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) production in October 2025, underscoring the severity of the shutdowns.
NNPC officials explained that the stoppages are largely due to ongoing maintenance challenges, aging infrastructure, and technical limitations affecting refinery operations.
The Warri and Port Harcourt refineries, both of which are critical components of Nigeria’s downstream oil sector, have historically been pivotal in supplying PMS and other petroleum products to the country. Their prolonged inactivity has placed additional pressure on importation to meet domestic fuel demand.
Observers note that the shutdowns have significant economic implications, including higher fuel costs, increased reliance on imports, and potential revenue losses for the government and the industry.
Authorities continue to explore options to restore refinery operations, including planned maintenance, modernization of existing facilities, and potential partnerships with private sector investors to improve efficiency and output.
Industry experts emphasize that reviving these refineries is essential not only to meet national fuel demand but also to support job creation, industrial activity, and the overall stability of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
The NNPC has assured Nigerians that measures are being implemented to expedite the resolution of technical challenges and to ensure consistent fuel supply across the country once refinery operations resume.
Stakeholders have called for transparency and accountability in addressing the prolonged closures, stressing the need for a clear timeline for resumption of production to restore confidence in domestic refining capacity.
As discussions continue around the rehabilitation and operational efficiency of these refineries, the NNPC’s ability to manage maintenance and infrastructure upgrades will play a key role in Nigeria’s energy security and economic stability.
The situation highlights the urgent need for strategic investment in the nation’s refinery infrastructure to prevent recurring shutdowns and to reduce dependency on imported petroleum products.