The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has condemned what it described as a “calculated media propaganda” against the recently refurbished Port Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC).
In a strongly worded statement issued by the Council’s Executive Director, Mr. Blessing A. Akinlosotu, the organisation reaffirmed that the refinery is “fully operational and delivering efficiently,” contrary to claims circulating in some quarters.
“We at the NCSCN have become very worried over the continued peddling of falsehood against the NNPC Ltd and the Port Harcourt Refinery (PHRC),” the statement reads.
“It then poses a big question why some people are attempting to mislead the public with this non-operational narrative.”
The Council’s response comes on the heels of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC Ltd.) announcing an unprecedented profit of N3.29 trillion for 2024, a historic achievement.
“While this great news and milestone is being celebrated,” Mr. Akinlosotu noted, “it appears there is calculated media propaganda to becloud this feat, detract, and discredit the laudable operations at the PH Refinery.”
Highlighting the significant contributions of the Port Harcourt Refinery to local production and the stability of fuel supplies during the festive season, the NCSCN described recent claims of non-operation as a ploy to undermine progress in the sector.
“Nigerians desired functional refineries to alleviate the suffering occasioned by incessant scarcity of petroleum products, especially during the festive season, of which NNPCL and the PHRC have contributed immensely,” the statement added.
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The Council suggested that the negative narrative might be “part of the broader strategy and politics in the industry to fight competition.”
To counter misinformation, the NCSCN announced plans to conduct an independent, on-ground assessment of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
“We have perfected arrangements to lead a 50-man strategic stakeholders’ delegation in January 2025 to interact with the refinery’s management,” said Mr. Akinlosotu.
He assured that the findings of the visit would be made public globally to provide clarity on the refinery’s production capacity and operational records.
Amidst the controversy, the NCSCN urged Nigerians to support the efforts of the NNPCL in improving local production.
“It can be seen that across the country within this yuletide season, there is remarkable stability in the supply and distribution of petroleum products at stipulated prices, unlike previous years,” the Council observed.
NCSCN further emphasized its unwavering commitment to truth and transparency in the sector. “This current attempt by some saboteurs and their media cohorts is totally unacceptable. Nigerians must see through these lies and stand with the NNPCL,” Mr. Akinlosotu asserted.
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