Victor Uzoho
The management of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) has debunked speculations that the recent fire incident at the plant in Eleme, Rivers State, will disrupt the ongoing rehabilitation of the two refineries at the complex.
The refinery is currently under rehabilitation at the cost of $1.5 billion.
Specifically, the Managing Director, PHRC, Ahmed Dikko, during an inspection of the site of the fire on Monday, assured that the refineries will operate at full capacities when the works are over.
Also, he allayed the fears of residents, especially those in the host communities of Eleme and Okrika Local Government Areas, assuring that preventive plans are being made to avoid further occurrence, although the incident was a minor one.
Recall that a fire outbreak occurred on Sunday at the plant, which is currently undergoing rehabilitation for full capacity operation.
While initial reports suggested that the plant was completely gutted by the inferno, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited clarified that it was a minor incident that was contained in less than two hours.
Preventive plans are being made to avoid further occurrence, although the incident was a minor one.
NNPC in a statement added that it was caused by a spark while a 33,000-litre truck was discharging naphtha into a tank at the PHRC.
“The management of the refinery led by the Managing Director, who was at the scene supervising the operation, immediately mobilised the safety structure at the PHRC and with support from the Federal Fire service, successfully brought the fire under control.
“The management of the PHRC wishes to reassure Nigerian residents in the neighbourhood of the facility that they have no cause to worry about the incident and to also affirm that the safety of life and property is at the top of its priority list.
“The incident affected only the discharging truck and the pump bay. No other property was damaged. The management and staff of the PHRC hereby extend its profound appreciation to all those that contributed in bringing a speedy end to the incidence; while wishing all Nigerians a very happy and fulfilling New Year 2022,” NNPC added.
