The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese firms Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd. as part of efforts to restart and expand the country’s refining capacity.
The agreement is aimed at fostering collaboration through a potential Technical Equity Partnership to support the completion and efficient operation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
According to NNPC, the partnership is expected to bring in technical expertise, operational efficiency, and investment needed to accelerate the rehabilitation and long-term sustainability of the refineries.
 The move aligns with ongoing efforts by the company to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products and strengthen domestic refining capacity.
The Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which have faced years of underperformance and shutdowns, are central to Nigeria’s energy security strategy.
Officials say the collaboration with the Chinese firms marks a significant step toward ensuring their full restoration and optimal performance.
NNPC noted that the MoU signals growing international confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, particularly in the area of downstream development and infrastructure revitalisation.
