Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. (NNPC) has reported a “minor fire incidence” at its Port Harcourt refining complex.
The company, in a statement, said a spark had ignited a fire while a truck was discharging naphtha into a tank at the plant.
Safety workers, with the Federal Fire service in support, brought the fire under control within two hours.
Port Harcourt Refining Co. (PHRC) management gave reassurances that those living around the facility had no reason for alarm. PHRC said the “safety of life and of property” was its top priority.
The refinery’s managing director was at the scene overseeing work, NNPC said, and “immediately mobilised” an emergency response.
The fire caused damage only to the truck discharging the naphtha and the bay in which it was parked. There was no other damage.
Work is under way to upgrade the PHRC facility. It is believed the fire had no impact on the work.
Italy’s Maire Tecnimont won a $1.5 billion contract at Port Harcourt in April 2021. It aims to complete the first phase in April 2023. The Italian company should complete all the work by December 2024.