NNPCL, Chinese Firms Sign Mou on Warri, Port Harcourt Refinery Revival

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with two Chinese firms as part of efforts to restart and expand the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.

The agreement was reached with Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, with the parties exploring a technical equity partnership to support completion and long-term operation of the facilities.

The document was signed in Jiaxing on Thursday, April 30, 2026, by NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, alongside the chairmen of the two Chinese firms, Guan Jianzhong and Bill Bi.

Under the proposed arrangement, the partners will work towards completing outstanding construction work, as well as operating and maintaining both refineries to deliver sustained performance. Plans also include upgrades aimed at producing cleaner fuels and improving commercial returns.

The collaboration further covers potential expansion into petrochemicals, alongside the development of gas-based industrial hubs linked to the refinery sites.

Ojulari said the agreement follows more than six months of engagement between the parties, adding that all sides see value in advancing the long-term viability of Nigeria’s refining assets.

He described the signing as part of a process to identify suitable technical partners, while opening opportunities in petrochemical and gas-related ventures tied to the refineries.

The parties said discussions would continue, with any binding agreements subject to regulatory approvals and final negotiations.