The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese firms to restart, operate and expand Nigeria’s key refining assets in Warri and Port Harcourt.
The agreement was reached with Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xingcheng (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, according to a statement issued by NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odey.
Under the arrangement, the parties will move towards establishing a Technical Equity Partnership (TEP) designed to complete ongoing rehabilitation works and ensure efficient, long-term operations of the refineries.
The MoU was signed on April 30, 2026, in Jiaxing City by NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, alongside Sanjiang Chairman Guan Jianzhong and Xingcheng Chairman Bill Bi.
NNPC said the Chinese partners will play a key role in completing outstanding rehabilitation work at the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries, while also participating in their operation and maintenance to ensure sustainable performance.
Beyond rehabilitation, the partnership is expected to explore expansion and upgrades of the facilities to meet cleaner fuel standards, improve profitability, and increase petrochemical production capacity. It will also support the development of gas-based industrial hubs around the refineries.
Ojulari described the agreement as a significant milestone after months of negotiations, noting that all parties identified mutually beneficial opportunities to enhance the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s refining assets.
