The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has commenced a comprehensive technical and commercial review of its three major refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna to determine their operational and financial viability. The move marks a potential turning point for facilities that have remained idle for years despite having a combined capacity of 445,000 barrels per day.
NNPC Group CEO Bashir Bayo Ojulari announced that the company is looking ahead with optimism to ensure the refineries operate effectively, describing the initiative as “the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s refining sector.” The review is part of a broader strategy to reposition the refineries as modern, revenue-generating assets capable of meeting Nigeria’s fuel needs and aligning with international best practices.
The assessment involves both internal and external experts and will guide decisions on whether to high-grade or repurpose the facilities for optimal performance and long-term sustainability. In simpler terms, high-grading means transforming old, underperforming plants into modern, efficient, and globally competitive facilities that deliver better output and higher returns.
Following the review phase, NNPC plans to engage Technical Equity Partners with proven experience in running world-class refineries to drive the next phase of rehabilitation. The company will complete requisite agreements to mobilize toward implementing upgrades or repairs as required.
The refinery rehabilitation project is central to Nigeria’s National Energy Strategy, focusing on energy security, asset optimization, and compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act. Nigeria has struggled for decades to restore its aging refineries despite multiple attempts and billions of dollars spent on turnaround maintenance. The Port Harcourt refinery was shut down in May 2025 for scheduled repairs of 30 days but has remained inactive for over 80 days.
Meanwhile, the privately-owned Dangote refinery, Africa’s largest with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, has recently encountered operational challenges, claims of sabotage, and workers’ strikes, despite being the newest and only operational refinery in Nigeria.
Sources: Oilprice.com, nairametrics.com