NNPC signs MoU with Chinese firms to revive Port Harcourt, Warri Refineries
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese firms, Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xingcheng (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese firms, Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xingcheng (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, to explore a potential Technical Equity Partnership (TEP) aimed at completing and operating the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
The agreement was signed in Jiaxing City, China, on April 30, 2026, by the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, alongside Chairman of Sanjiang Chemical Company, Guan Jianzhong, and Chairman of Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co., Ltd, Bill Bi.
According to a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the proposed framework will focus on completing outstanding rehabilitation works at the refineries and on operating and maintaining both facilities to achieve efficient and sustainable performance.
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The collaboration also includes plans for expansion and upgrades to enable cleaner and more profitable production processes. It further envisions the development of expanded petrochemical capacity and the creation of gas-based industrial hubs linked to the refineries.
Speaking after the signing, the NNPC Group CEO described the MoU as a significant milestone following over six months of technical and managerial engagements between the parties.
He noted that all stakeholders recognised the mutual benefits of the partnership and the need for collective effort to ensure the long-term profitability and sustainability of Nigeria’s refining assets.
Ojulari explained that the agreement represents a key step toward identifying potential technical equity partners for the revival and expansion of the refineries, as well as exploring opportunities in petrochemicals and gas-based industrial development.
He stressed that the MoU reflects a shared commitment to advance discussions in good faith, with final agreements expected to follow, subject to necessary approvals.
