NNPC Discusses Sustainable Refinery Solutions with Partners

NNPC Ltd has initiated discussions with strategic partners to develop sustainable and profitable operational models for its state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, revealed on Wednesday.

Speaking during a fireside chat titled “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future at NIES 2026” at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja, Ojulari explained that the company’s current approach marks a significant strategic shift from past efforts. Historically, refinery revitalisation projects focused predominantly on securing financing and executing engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts. The new strategy prioritises establishing a robust, self-sustaining operating model to ensure long-term viability.

“Getting refineries up and running requires three critical elements: financing, a competent EPC contractor, and world-class operational capacity. That is exactly our focus at the moment,” Ojulari stated, as quoted in a statement by NNPCL spokesperson Andy Odeh.

The announcement underscores NNPC Ltd’s intent to move beyond the physical rehabilitation of facilities toward creating commercially viable enterprises. The goal is to build refineries that are not only functional but also financially independent and profitable, reducing Nigeria’s longstanding dependence on imported petroleum products.

This renewed focus comes amid a backdrop of persistent challenges in the nation’s downstream sector. A pertinent example is the Port Harcourt Refinery, which was shut down in May last year following the completion of its rehabilitation work, highlighting the gap between mechanical completion and sustainable commercial operations. The Warri and Kaduna refineries have also faced prolonged periods of inactivity.

By seeking partners to co-develop operational frameworks, NNPC aims to inject expertise and efficient management practices into the refineries’ post-rehabilitation phase. The talks likely involve considerations for technical management agreements, feedstock supply security, and market-oriented pricing mechanisms.

The success of this operational overhaul is critical to Nigeria’s energy security objectives. Fully functional, profit-generating domestic refineries would stabilise local fuel supply, conserve foreign exchange, and stimulate related industrial activities. The next steps will involve finalising partnership structures and implementing the agreed operating models across the three key facilities, a process closely watched by industry stakeholders and the Nigerian public alike.