The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has taken another step toward reviving the country’s refining capacity, announcing a new partnership with two Chinese firms to complete and operate the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
In a statement released on May 3, 2026, and signed by its spokesperson, Andy Odeh, the company confirmed that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Jiaxing City, China, on April 30. The agreement involves NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, alongside representatives of Chinese companies Sanjiang Chemical and Xinganchen Industrial Park.
Under the proposed deal, the Chinese partners will help finish ongoing rehabilitation work at both refineries and also participate in their operation and maintenance. The goal is to ensure the facilities run efficiently and sustainably after years of underperformance.
Beyond just fixing the refineries, the partnership is expected to explore upgrades that will allow them meet cleaner fuel standards, improve profitability, and expand petrochemical production. There are also plans to develop gas-based industrial hubs around the refinery locations, which could boost broader industrial growth.
Ojulari described the agreement as a major milestone after months of discussions, noting that it opens up long-term opportunities for strengthening Nigeria’s refining sector. However, he clarified that the MoU is not yet binding and will depend on regulatory approvals and further negotiations.
The move builds on ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the Port Harcourt refinery, which has a capacity of 210,000 barrels per day, and the Warri refinery, with a capacity of 125,000 barrels per day. Both projects are part of a wider strategy to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
Although the Port Harcourt refinery briefly resumed operations in late 2024, it was later shut down due to operational and financial challenges. This new partnership is expected to address those setbacks and bring the facilities closer to full, stable production.
