Latest news with #PHRC
Business Insider
24-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Nigeria's national oil company announces shutdown of state-owned refinery
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), in its caretaker capacity, has announced the immediate shutdown of operations at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) due to a scheduled maintenance exercise commencing today, May 24, 2025. NNPC Ltd announced the temporary shutdown of Port Harcourt Refinery for scheduled maintenance starting May 24, 2025. The maintenance aims to enhance efficiency, ensure sustainability, and reduce reliance on fuel imports. The shutdown raises concerns about persistent issues in Nigeria's refining infrastructure and performance. The shutdown was announced in a statement issued on Saturday by Femi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, who stated that the closure is temporary and intended to enhance the refinery's efficiency and ensure its long-term viability. The statement read: 'The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) wishes to inform the general public that the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) will undergo a planned maintenance shutdown." 'This scheduled maintenance and sustainability assessment will commence on May 24, 2025.' Soneye added. According to NNPC Ltd, the maintenance operation will be conducted in coordination with relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to ensure transparency and technical precision throughout the process. 'We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the maintenance and assessment activities are carried out efficiently and transparently, ' Soneye said. NNPC Ltd reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing energy infrastructure and ensuring sustainable energy security for Nigerians. The company noted that the maintenance exercise is part of its broader efforts to boost national refining capacity and reduce reliance on fuel imports. It also pledged to keep the public informed through regular updates on its official website and media channels during the maintenance period, and to implement measures to mitigate any potential disruptions to affected parties. Nigeria's refinery challenges However, this latest shutdown comes amid fresh scrutiny of PHRC's inconsistent performance, with concerns over transparency and accountability. The facility has been burdened by years of underperformance, failed upgrade plans, and rehabilitation setbacks; despite several rounds of funding and government guarantees. Just last month, NNPC Ltd dismissed PHRC's Managing Director, citing internal investigation reports and accountability issues, project delays, and alleged mismanagement of rehabilitation funds. Although today's maintenance announcement is seen as essential upkeep to maintain and improve production, critics argue it highlights deeper flaws in Nigeria's refining strategy, particularly at Port Harcourt Refinery, which remains unable to achieve steady production despite years of major overhaul efforts.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to pay over $71k in discrimination case
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has been ordered to pay over $71,000 to a former worker as part of a disability and discrimination case. The PUC was ordered to pay $71,560.42 and to continue paying the former employee for lost wages for up to one year. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) found the PUC discriminated against an employee based on their disability and failed to provide them with reasonable accommodations. They also noted that the working conditions were so intolerable that the employee was forced to resign. Pennsylvania had the most Medicaid fraud charges filed in 2024 'This decision reaffirms the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission's commitment to protecting the rights of employees with disabilities,' PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW said. 'Employers have a legal and moral obligation to provide reasonable accommodations, and those that fail to do so will be held accountable under the law. We stand firm in our mission to ensure workplaces across the Commonwealth are free from discrimination. Here's what the commission ordered for both parties: The former employee will file semi-annual reports to PUC indicating the gross amount of earnings made during the previous six-month period, for a period of one year. If the amount they earned is less than what they would have earned as an employee of PUC, PUC shall pay the amount of gross earnings they would have earned with PUC minus their gross earnings during the relevant six-month period. The former employee will also continue making good faith efforts to secure employment in mitigation of the damages. PUC to cease and desist from denying reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities and from otherwise discriminating against employees with disabilities. PUC to attend mandatory training provided by the PHRC or by an entity approved by the PHRC. PUC to implement policies requiring individualized assessments of the essential functions of a position prior to denying requests for reasonable accommodations. The PHRC, the state's civil rights enforcement agency, urges anyone who has experienced acts of discrimination to file a complaint by calling 717-787-4410. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Yahoo
Civil Rights Outreach Division to hold community meeting in Carlisle tonight
CARLISLE, Pa. (WHTM) — The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) Civil Rights Outreach Division is holding a community response meeting at Dickenson College tonight to discuss hate incidents that have occurred in the greater Carlisle area. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Dickenson College Stern Center Great Room, located at 208 West Louther Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Guests can register online, but registration is not required to attend the event. The event will feature multiple guest speakers from the PHRC and a bystander intervention training session with YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County Vice President of Programs Lily Duarte-Evans. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Other speakers include PHRC Civil Rights Outreach Director Sheryl Meck and PHRC Civil Rights Outreach Coordinator Omar Henriquez, according to a press release. The outreach team will have information about rights provided under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and will also gather instances of discrimination that guests may have experienced in the community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
