The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) says it is awaiting technical assessment reports from two Chinese firms before proceeding with plans to revive the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
The company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, disclosed that Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Limited had conducted about three months of on-site assessments alongside NNPC technical teams. The assessments are expected to determine the work and technology required to make the facilities commercially viable.
Odeh said the next steps include completing the reports, receiving detailed proposals from the prospective partners and agreeing on technical and commercial terms. The process will also require definitive agreements, necessary approvals and an investment decision before a programme for completing the work and restarting operations can be established.
The NNPC stressed that rehabilitation alone would not guarantee success, noting that sustainable operations would require adequate financing, engineering expertise and efficient management. It declined to announce a restart date, saying the refineries must be capable of operating reliably and profitably.
The proposed partnership follows a memorandum of understanding signed on April 30, 2026, covering the completion of outstanding work, operation and maintenance of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, as well as possible upgrades and expansion. The company clarified that the agreement remains a preliminary framework rather than a final investment or operating deal.
Meanwhile, the NNPC said improved domestic refining could strengthen fuel supply, increase competition and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products. It also confirmed that its petrol discount, introduced on October 1, would run until October 31, 2026.
Post comments (0)