PENGASSAN Scrutinizes Landmark NNPC-Chinese MoU for Warri, Port Harcourt Refineries Revival

In a development stirring cautious optimism across Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has commenced a thorough review of the freshly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and two Chinese firms aimed at finally restarting and expanding the long-dormant Warri and Port Harcourt refineries. 

The MoU, inked on April 30, 2026, in Jiaxing City, China, pairs NNPC with Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd. It paves the way for a potential Technical Equity Partnership to complete outstanding rehabilitation works, operate, maintain, and upgrade the facilities to best-in-class, cleaner, and more profitable standards. 

Port Harcourt Refinery (210,000 barrels per day) and Warri Refinery (125,000 bpd) have remained largely inoperative for years despite massive prior investments, leaving Nigeria heavily reliant on imported petroleum products. NNPC Group CEO, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the agreement as a “significant milestone” after over six months of intensive engagements, highlighting mutually beneficial opportunities for sustainable profitability, petrochemical expansion, and co-located gas-based industrial hubs. 

PENGASSAN General Secretary, Comrade Jerry Amah, confirmed the union is meticulously studying the contractual obligations before issuing an official position. “We are preparing our position after studying the contractual obligations,” he stated, underscoring the union’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ interests and ensuring the deal delivers genuine national value. 

The move comes amid heightened expectations that successful revival of these state-owned assets could reduce fuel imports, stabilize domestic supply, create jobs, and bolster Nigeria’s position as a regional energy player — especially as the private Dangote Refinery ramps up operations. However, some industry voices have raised concerns about execution risks and the preference for foreign technical partners. 

Any final agreements remain subject to customary approvals. As PENGASSAN’s review unfolds, stakeholders watch closely: success here could mark a transformative chapter in Nigeria’s decades-long quest for energy self-sufficiency.