Nigeria, March 19 -- The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) on Wednesday dismissed reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State.

In a statement, Olufemi Soneye, the chief corporate communications officer of NNPC Ltd, described the report as 'false', noting that what occurred at the refinery was a flare incident, which has been contained fully.

"The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has refuted reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State. The company clarified that what occurred was a flare incident, which has since been fully contained.

"There is no danger or health hazard to staff, the surrounding communities, or t...