NNPC Limited, Chinese Firms Sign MoU to Restart, Expand Warri and Port Harcourt Refineries
NNPC Limited 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, to explore a strategic collaboration aimed at completing, restarting, and expanding the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
The agreement, which centres on a potential Technical Equity Partnership, is designed to support the rehabilitation and long-term operation of the two refining facilities.
The MoU was signed in Jiaxing City, China, on April 30, 2026, by the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, alongside Chairman of Sanjiang Chemical Company, Guan Jianzhong, and Chairman of Xinganchen Industrial Park, Bill Bi.
Under the proposed framework, the partnership will focus on completing outstanding rehabilitation works at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, as well as operating and maintaining the facilities to achieve efficient and sustainable performance. The plan also includes upgrades aimed at producing cleaner, higher value petroleum products.
In addition, the collaboration is expected to expand the refineries’ petrochemical capacities and unlock opportunities in gas and downstream sectors through the development of integrated, gas based industrial hubs.
Speaking after the signing, Ojulari described the agreement as a major milestone following over six months of engagement between NNPC and its Chinese partners.
“All parties recognise the mutually beneficial opportunities for developing and ensuring the long term sustainability of NNPC’s refining assets in Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the MoU represents a critical step toward identifying suitable technical equity partners to revitalise Nigeria’s refining sector and deepen investment in petrochemical and gas based industries.
The agreement reflects the shared commitment of all parties to continue discussions in good faith, with final terms subject to necessary approvals.
Signed:
Andy Odeh
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Limited
Abuja