- NNPCL begins a detailed refinery review to upgrade Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna facilities.
- The project aims to modernise operations, attract global partners, and strengthen Nigeria’s energy independence.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) refinery review marks a vital step in Nigeria’s plan to achieve energy self-sufficiency. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has started a complete technical and commercial evaluation of its Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. This review aims to confirm their operational and financial strength while transforming them into efficient and profitable assets.
According to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bayo Ojulari, NNPCL intends to ensure its refineries work efficiently and sustainably. He described the initiative as starting a new era in Nigeria’s refining industry. The NNPCL refinery review goes beyond repairs. It seeks to rebuild the plants into competitive facilities that meet the nation’s growing energy demand.
The company is currently in the Technical and Commercial Review stage. This phase will determine whether each refinery requires high-grading or repurposing for better performance. High-grading means turning old, inefficient plants into modern facilities that produce more and deliver more substantial returns.
Ojulari emphasised that the project marks a new phase in NNPCL’s refinery rehabilitation journey. He said the goal is to create globally competitive refineries that meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel needs while remaining transparent and commercially viable.
The review team includes local and international experts. Their work will shape technology upgrades, management systems, and business model decisions. In addition, NNPCL plans to work with Technical Equity Partners, global operators with proven success in refinery management.
Discussions with potential partners are ongoing. NNPCL applies strict technical and financial standards to ensure every partnership benefits Nigerians. The company also reaffirmed its dedication to the Petroleum Industry Act. It remains committed to supplying petroleum products while maintaining operational efficiency.
For decades, Nigeria’s refineries have suffered from neglect and poor maintenance. Despite a total capacity of 445,000 barrels per day, they have not refined fuel commercially for more than ten years. This review signals renewed determination to restore local refining, enhance energy security, and reduce reliance on imports.