NNPC Signs MoU with Chinese Firms to Revive Warri, Port Harcourt Refineries

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with two Chinese firms to accelerate the revival of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries. The agreement, announced on Monday, aims to support the restart, operation, and expansion of the long-idle facilities as part of broader efforts to boost domestic refining capacity.

In a statement issued by the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odey, NNPC confirmed that the deal was reached with Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xingcheng (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd. The agreement sets the stage for a Technical Equity Partnership focused on completing ongoing rehabilitation work and ensuring efficient refinery operations.

The MoU, formalised on April 30, 2026, in Jiaxing City, China, was signed by NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, alongside executives of the partner firms. Under the arrangement, the companies will support the completion of outstanding repairs and participate in the operation and maintenance of the refineries to achieve stable and sustainable output.

The partnership also outlines plans to upgrade the facilities to meet cleaner fuel standards, improve profitability, and increase petrochemical production. It further includes the development of gas-based industrial hubs around the refinery locations, a move NNPC believes will unlock new opportunities across Nigeria’s energy value chain.