In a bid to revitalize its refining capabilities, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced plans to partner with private operators to manage its Warri and Kaduna refineries.
According to a statement released by NNPCL on Friday, the company is seeking to engage reputable Operations and Maintenance (O&M) companies to operate and maintain the refineries, with the aim of restoring them to optimal production levels.
The Warri refinery, located in Delta State, has a nameplate distillation capacity of 125,000 barrels per day (bpd), while the Kaduna refinery has a current nameplate capacity of 110,000 bpd.
The partnership is expected to bring in much-needed expertise and investment to revamp the refineries, which have been underperforming in recent years.
The move is seen as a strategic step towards achieving Nigeria’s goal of becoming a net exporter of petroleum products, and reducing its reliance on imported fuel.
NNPCL’s decision to partner with private operators is a significant shift in its approach to managing the refineries, and is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s oil and gas sector.