NNPC Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese firms to support the restart and expansion of Nigeria’s Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

The agreement was signed in Jiaxing City, China, between NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Chairman of Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited, Guan Jianzhong, and Chairman of Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, Bill Bi.

The proposed collaboration centres on a technical equity partnership aimed at completing outstanding work on the refineries, as well as operating and maintaining the facilities to achieve optimal and sustainable performance.

Under the framework, the partners will also explore expansion and upgrades designed to improve efficiency and produce cleaner, more commercially viable petroleum products. The plan further includes boosting petrochemical capacity and developing gas-based industrial hubs around the refinery locations.

Ojulari described the agreement as a major milestone following months of engagement between the parties, noting that it reflects a shared commitment to unlocking the long-term value of Nigeria’s refining assets.

He added that the MoU represents a critical step toward securing technical partners to revive the country’s refineries and expand opportunities in petrochemicals and downstream gas development.