NNPC Signs MoU with Chinese Firms for Refinery Expansion

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xingcheng Fuzhou Industrial Park Operation Management Co. Ltd to rehabilitate and expand the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

The agreement, signed on April 30, 2026, aims to accelerate the long-delayed commercial restart of Nigeria's refineries. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, emphasized the MoU as a critical milestone in transforming the refineries and ensuring long-term operational efficiency.

The partnership is expected to go beyond mere rehabilitation, extending to full-scale operational maintenance and exploring expansion projects. The MoU reflects a shared intent to advance discussions in good faith, subject to regulatory approval, and outlines a framework for collaboration that includes developing a co-located gas-based industrial hub.

Ojulari highlighted the need for experienced partners with a proven track record to ensure the success of the refineries, which have faced challenges despite significant financial investments.