NNPC Begins Technical Checks on Port Harcourt, Warri Refineries as Marketers Push for Restart
By Aboki Forex —
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has started preliminary technical assessments of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries as it evaluates technical and financial partners to complete, operate and optimise the two plants.
The company said the partnership options under review cover the completion, operation and long-term optimisation of the government-owned refineries. No definitive commercial agreement has been reached.
Marketers Demand Faster Restart
Joseph Obele, National Public Relations Officer of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, urged the Federal Government and NNPC to restart production at both facilities, Punch reported.
Obele said petrol is selling for between N1,400 and N1,500 per litre in some locations, while diesel has climbed above N2,000 per litre. He argued that stronger domestic refining would cut Nigeria's reliance on imported petroleum products and soften the impact of rising international crude oil prices on consumers.
Sanjiang MoU Still Under Evaluation
A member of NNPC's senior leadership said the company is working to ensure any partnership for the refineries is commercially sustainable.
"NNPC Ltd recognises public interest in fuel prices and the operational status of its refineries. The company remains committed to restoring the refineries to sustainable and commercially viable operations," the official said.
"To this end, NNPC Ltd is evaluating technical and financial partnership options for the completion, operation and long-term optimisation of the facilities."
The official said NNPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited on April 30, 2026, as part of efforts to secure technical expertise and investment. The engagement covers possible technical, operational and investment opportunities involving the refineries and associated petrochemical projects.
"The parties have since undertaken preliminary technical assessment of Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Plant and the Port Harcourt Refinery," the official said.
NNPC had earlier disclosed that its agreement with Sanjiang and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Company Limited was designed to explore a potential technical equity partnership. The proposed arrangement covered the completion and operation of the two refineries as well as possible refinery expansion, petrochemical development and gas-based industrial projects.
NNPC's latest position shows negotiations have yet to produce a definitive commercial agreement. "Discussions and evaluations remain ongoing, and any definitive arrangements will be subject to satisfactory due diligence, commercial viability and all applicable approvals," the senior official said.
The company said further information would be released once negotiations reach a significant milestone.
What It Means for Fuel Prices
A successful restart of the Port Harcourt and Warri facilities would add government-owned refining capacity to Nigeria's domestic market at a time when consumers and marketers are increasingly worried about elevated crude oil and petroleum product prices. The two refineries have reportedly consumed more than $2.4 billion in public funds over the years without delivering significant refined fuel output.