Chinese engineers begin technical assessment to revamp Warri refinery, NNPC targets 24-month return to operations
By Aboki Forex —
A team of Chinese engineers has commenced a comprehensive technical assessment of Nigeria's Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company (WRPC) as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) pushes to restore the ageing facility to full commercial operations within 24 months. The development marks a fresh attempt to revive one of the country's key state-owned refineries after years of repeated shutdowns and failed rehabilitation projects.
35 Chinese engineers on site for detailed inspection
NNPCL disclosed that 35 engineers from Sanjiang Chemicals and New Future Group have begun a detailed inspection of the Warri refinery to determine its technical condition and assess the scope of work required for a full-scale rehabilitation. The findings from the exercise will form the basis of a final investment decision on the proposed modernisation and long-term operation of the refinery.
The assessment is expected to identify infrastructure upgrades, equipment replacement, and operational improvements needed to return the facility to sustainable commercial production. NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, said the assessment represents the first stage of a broader business strategy designed to reposition the refinery as a profitable and commercially viable enterprise.
Chinese partners to finance and operate under new model
Ojulari explained that if the project receives final approval, the Chinese partners would finance, modernise and operate the refinery under a new business model while keeping ownership firmly in Nigerian hands. The company estimates that the refinery could return to stable operations within about 24 months after work begins.
Beyond fuel production, NNPCL said the revamped facility would place greater emphasis on petrochemical manufacturing, creating additional revenue streams and improving the refinery's long-term sustainability. Ojulari also pushed back against recent calls for the Warri refinery to be sold as scrap following its shutdown after briefly resuming operations last year. He insisted that the refinery remains a valuable national asset capable of generating economic benefits if properly rehabilitated.
NNPC dismisses equipment scrap sale claims
According to NNPCL, the interest shown by Sanjiang Chemicals and New Future Group further demonstrates that the refinery still possesses significant commercial potential despite years of operational difficulties. The company also dismissed reports claiming that refinery equipment was being dismantled and sold as scrap, stressing that no such approval has been granted and that all existing assets remain part of the planned rehabilitation programme.
NNPCL said the renewed initiative reflects a shift from previous rehabilitation efforts that failed to deliver lasting results. If successfully implemented, the project is expected to increase Nigeria's domestic refining capacity, strengthen petrochemical production, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and improve energy security.
What this means for the naira and Nigerian consumers
A successful revival of the Warri refinery could reduce Nigeria's reliance on imported refined petroleum products, easing pressure on the naira by lowering demand for foreign exchange used for fuel imports. For consumers, sustained domestic refining could lead to more stable pump prices and improved energy security in the long term.