The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) has been shut down during a protest by a faction of Eleme community youths.
According to a statement issued by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited media office, the protesters, carrying placards, blocked the entrance to the facility, denying staff and contractors access.
The youths allege marginalization by PHRC, demanding 40% representation in the ongoing rehabilitation project’s workforce and the dissolution of the Joint Community Relations Committee (JCRC).
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The JCRC manages host community-related matters for the PHRC and the two host communities, Eleme and Okrika.
The shutdown has halted all operational and rehabilitation activities, including plant streaming, and compromised the plant’s ability to respond to emergencies.
According to the statement, efforts by PHRC management, government, security agencies, and the Eleme youths to resolve the face-off remain unsuccessful.
(Editor: Oloyede Oworu)
