By Ejekwu Chidiebere
Energy Window International (Media) – The management of NNPC Ltd said they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies, Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, “for collaboration through a potential Technical Equity Partnership in support of the completion and operation of the Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries.”
The MoU according to Andy Odeh of the communications arm of the national oil firm, was signed by Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group CEO NNPCL, Chairman, Sanjiang Chemical Company, Guan Jianzhong and Chairman of Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, Bill Bi, in Jiaxing City, faraway China, April 30, 2026..
The “potential” framework according to NNPCL would cover “completion of outstanding work at the two refineries, together with operating and maintaining both facilities to achieve best-in-class, sustainable performance.” It added that the planned expansion and upgrades would elevate both facilities to cleaner, more profitable product standards.
The “potential” collaboration the Nigerian firm said also “contemplates” expanding the refineries’ petrochemical capacities and harnessing gas and downstream opportunities through the development of co-located, gas-based industrial hubs.
Speaking after signing the document, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari said the agreement was a significant milestone, “following more than six months of concerted engagement between the technical and management teams of NNPC and the two Chinese partners.”
“All parties recognise mutually beneficial opportunities for the development and long-term sustainable profitability of NNPC’s refining assets in Nigeria, and the collective weight required for success,” Andy Odeh had quoted Ojulari as saying .
Ojulari according to Odeh further stated that the MoU was a significant step on the journey towards identifying potential technical equity partner(s) to restart and expand NNPC’s refineries, and to explore opportunities in co-located petrochemicals and gas-based industries.
The MoU according to the company’s statement reflects the parties’ shared intent to progress discussions in good faith, with any definitive arrangements to follow in due course and subject to customary approvals.
