NNPC awaits reports on PH, Warri refineries’ revival

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) is awaiting technical reports from two Chinese firms regarding the potential revival of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries. Andy Odeh, the NNPC's Chief Corporate Communications Officer, revealed this during an exclusive interview with The PUNCH. The Chinese companies involved are Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Limited.

They have spent about three months conducting on-site assessments of the refineries alongside NNPC's engineering teams. Odeh explained that the technical report is being finalized, which will determine the necessary work and technology to make the refineries commercially competitive. The NNPC is pursuing a technical equity partnership model, emphasizing that rehabilitation alone is not sufficient for successful operations.

The company requires financing, competent engineering and construction, and strong operating capability. The next steps involve completing the assessment report, receiving a detailed proposal from the partners, and agreeing on the technical and commercial terms. Odeh stated that a restart date cannot be announced until these requirements are settled.

The proposed partnership follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the NNPC and the Chinese firms on April 30, 2026. The MoU covers the completion of outstanding work, operation and maintenance of the refineries, and the assessment of possible upgrades and expansions, including petrochemical opportunities. The NNPC clarified that the MoU is a preliminary framework and not a final investment or operating agreement.

They also emphasized that work on the Kaduna refinery has not commenced under this partnership model, as it only covers the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.