The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has taken a new step to revive Nigeria’s struggling refineries, signing a fresh agreement with two Chinese firms to fast-track rehabilitation and restart operations.
The deal, sealed as a Memorandum of Understanding, was signed with Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xingcheng (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd. Officials describe the move as a major push to finally resolve long-standing delays affecting the country’s refining capacity.
The signing took place in Jiaxing on April 30, 2026. The agreement was executed by NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Bayo Ojulari alongside Guan Jianzhong and Bill Bi.
According to NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer Andy Odeh, the agreement opens the door for a Technical Equity Partnership that will help complete outstanding work at the Port Harcourt Refinery and Warri Refinery.
He explained that the collaboration will not only focus on finishing the rehabilitation but will also extend to full operation and long-term maintenance of the refineries to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
NNPC further noted that the partnership will explore expansion opportunities, including upgrading the facilities to produce cleaner fuels and higher-value petroleum products in line with global standards.
The company described the agreement as a critical milestone in its broader plan to transform Nigeria’s refining sector and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
