BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—NNPC Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies—Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xingcheng (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd—as part of efforts to complete and fully operationalize the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
The agreement, executed in China, was signed by the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, alongside Chairman of Sanjiang Chemical Company, Guan Jianzhong, and Chairman of Xingcheng (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, Bill Bi.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Andy Odeh, the collaboration is structured around a potential Technical Equity Partnership (TEP). The framework is expected to support the completion of outstanding work at both refineries, as well as their operation and maintenance to achieve efficient and sustainable performance.
The partnership also includes plans for expansion and upgrades aimed at improving product quality to meet cleaner and more profitable standards. In addition, the proposed collaboration will explore opportunities to boost petrochemical output and develop gas-based industrial hubs around the refinery locations.
Ojulari described the signing of the MoU as a significant milestone, noting that it followed over six months of engagement between the technical and management teams of NNPC Ltd and its Chinese partners. He added that the agreement marks a critical step toward identifying suitable technical equity partners to restart and expand Nigeria’s refining capacity.
The MoU, he said, also opens the door for further discussions on co-located petrochemical projects and gas-based industries, which are expected to enhance value across the downstream sector.
While the agreement signals strong intent from all parties, NNPC Ltd noted that it represents a preliminary framework, with more detailed and binding arrangements expected to be finalized in due course.
