NNPC Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies — Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd — towards the restart, completion, and expansion of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.
The agreement, signed on Monday, May 4, 2026, is expected to explore a potential Technical Equity Partnership that will support the full rehabilitation and long-term operation of Nigeria’s two major state-owned refineries. This development comes as the country continues efforts to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
Key objectives of the MoU include; Restarting and stabilising operations at both facilities, expanding refining capacity where feasible. Others include introducing modern technical and management practices and attracting foreign investment through equity partnership models.
This partnership reflects ongoing interest by international players in Nigeria’s energy sector, even as the Dangote Refinery continues to ramp up production.
The involvement of Chinese companies brings technical expertise from one of the world’s leading refining nations. However, the success of this agreement will depend on transparent implementation, clear timelines, and measurable performance benchmarks.
However, NNPC Ltd has assured stakeholders that the partnership aligns with the federal government’s commitment to reforming the oil and gas sector under the Petroleum Industry Act.
