Two refineries were shut down by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) due to pipeline vandalism by the Niger Delta militants last week. The refineries, with a combined capacity of 235,000 barrels per day, resumed production in December and January respectively after long maintenance work.
However, work stopped at the refineries on Sunday following the action of NNPC. Spokesperson of NNPC, Mr Ohi Alegbe, confirmed the shutdown of the refineries which he said was to avoid any fire incident along the pipelines. He said the corporation shut-in the pipelines both for gas and crude oil along the affected areas to avoid further damage to the two refineries.
He said the NNPC will continue to monitor the progress of the refineries and the Nigeria Gas Company and update the public at the appropriate time.
Some militant groups weekend attacked pipelines in the Niger Delta region following the arrest warrant for former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, as part of a crackdown on corruption by the President Buhari administration.
Before the incident, the two refineries were refining about 4 million litres of products which include Dual Purpose Kerosene and Premium Motor Sprit (PMS).
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