…After years of setbacks
A team of Chinese engineers has begun a comprehensive technical assessment of the pipeline infrastructure at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company, as part of efforts to revive the long-troubled facility after years of vandalism, crude theft and operational setbacks.
The assessment is being carried out by about 35 engineers from Chinese firms Sanjiang Chemicals and New Future Group, who are examining critical assets, including the refinery’s conduit pipelines, many of which have suffered from years of looting, illegal connections and neglect that hampered previous rehabilitation attempts.
NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, said the inspection would guide a final investment decision aimed at restoring the refinery to sustainable commercial operations within the next 24 months. The proposed partnership is expected to focus not only on refining activities but also on expanding petrochemical production at the facility.
The Warri refinery, which has an installed capacity of 125,000 barrels per day, was shut down again last year after a brief return to operation, triggering fresh calls for the plant to be sold as scrap. However, NNPCL has firmly rejected such suggestions, insisting that the refinery remains a viable national asset.
According to the company, the involvement of Chinese investors demonstrates continued confidence in the economic potential of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries despite the billions of naira already spent on rehabilitation efforts over the years.
If approved, the partnership would see the Chinese firms provide financing, technical expertise and operational management to help overcome longstanding challenges, including damaged crude supply pipelines and recurring vandalism that have repeatedly undermined production at the Warri facility.
