“Chinese Firms to Support Operation, Expansion of Warri and Port Harcourt Refineries — NNPC”

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies to restart, operate, and expand the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.

NNPC spokesperson Andy Odey disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the agreement involves Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xingcheng (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd.

He said the MoU is expected to lead to a Technical Equity Partnership (TEP) that will help complete rehabilitation efforts and ensure efficient, long-term refinery operations.

The agreement was signed on April 30, 2026, in Jiaxing City, China, by NNPC GCEO Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Sanjiang Chairman Guan Jianzhong, and Xingcheng Chairman Bill Bi.

As part of the arrangement, the Chinese partners will assist in finalising rehabilitation works and take part in the operation and maintenance of the refineries.

The collaboration will also explore upgrading the facilities to meet cleaner fuel standards, enhance profitability, boost petrochemical output, and support gas-based industrial development.

Ojulari described the deal as a milestone achieved after months of negotiations.

“All parties recognise mutually beneficial opportunities for the development and long-term sustainability of NNPC’s refining assets,” he said.

He added that the agreement represents a key move toward securing technical partners and expanding opportunities in petrochemicals and related industries, though it remains subject to regulatory approvals and further discussions.

The Port Harcourt refinery rehabilitation project, valued at $1.5 billion, is designed to restore its 210,000 barrels-per-day capacity, while the Warri refinery upgrade, costing about $897 million, aims to revive its 125,000 barrels-per-day output.

These projects form part of NNPC’s broader strategy to cut reliance on imported fuel. Although the Port Harcourt refinery briefly resumed operations in late 2024, it was later shut down due to operational and financial constraints.

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