Nigeria's NNPC partners with Chinese firms to revive Port Harcourt and Warri refineries

Nigeria’s state oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 30, 2026 in Jiaxing, China, with Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xingcheng Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd. The agreement targets the long‑dormant Port Harcourt (210,000 bpd) and Warri (125,000 bpd) refineries, together capable of processing 335,000 bpd.

The deal proposes a Technical Equity Partnership in which the Chinese partners would complete remaining rehabilitation work, run day‑to‑day operations, maintain the plants and pursue expansion, including gas‑based industrial hubs to convert flared gas into fertilizers and chemicals. Over the past 25 years Nigeria has spent roughly $25 billion on attempts to restore its refineries without sustained output, prompting skepticism about another costly project. The MoU is non‑binding and still requires detailed commercial contracts, regulatory approvals and financing.

Petroleum economist Prof. Wumi Iledare says the partnership could bring needed technical expertise, technology transfer and operational discipline, but warns that implementation, clear financing and strong oversight will determine whether the initiative delivers measurable benefits for Nigeria’s downstream sector.