NNPC signs deal with Chinese firms to revive Warri, Port Harcourt Refineries

By Seun Ibiyemi

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

The agreement, reached with Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xingcheng (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, is aimed at establishing a potential Technical Equity Partnership (TEP) to complete, operate, and maintain the refineries for optimal performance.

According to details in the press statement, the MoU was signed in Jiaxing City, China, on April 30, 2026, by NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, alongside the chairmen of the two partner companies, Guan Jianzhong and Bill Bi.

GCEO NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari flanked by the Chairman, Sanjiang Chemical Company, Mr. Guan Jianzhong (left) and Chairman, Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, Mr. Bill Bi (right), signing a Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration on Technical Equity Partnership (TEP) in support of the completion and operation of the Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries, in Jiaxing City, China, on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

The partnership framework is expected to address outstanding work on both refineries while introducing upgrades to improve efficiency, environmental standards, and profitability.

It also includes plans to expand petrochemical production capacity and develop gas-based industrial hubs linked to the facilities.

Ojulari described the agreement as a major milestone following over six months of engagement between the parties.

He noted that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to unlocking long-term value from Nigeria’s refining assets.

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He further explained that the initiative is part of broader efforts to identify credible technical partners capable of transforming the country’s refining sector and boosting downstream opportunities.

NNPC added that while the MoU signals strong intent among the parties, final agreements will be subject to further negotiations and regulatory approvals.

The development marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing push to revitalise its domestic refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.