Inside NNPC’s Big Call: Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Nigerian
The persistent buzz about selling off Nigeria’s Port Harcourt Refinery can finally die down. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), under the clear direction of Group CEO Bayo Ojulari, has closed the door on any potential sale. During a charged town hall at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, Ojulari quashed rumors, calling the idea of selling the refinery both 'ill-advised' and 'sub-commercial.' Instead, the focus is shifting fully onto a sweeping rehabilitation plan, underscoring how NNPC wants to retain, not relinquish, one of the country’s most vital energy assets.
For weeks, speculation swirled, fueled by uncertainty over what to do with Nigeria’s troubled refineries—Port Harcourt included. Critics have not held back, pointing to years of underperformance, ballooning maintenance bills, and a global trend toward privatizing inefficient state-run plants. However, Ojulari made it clear that after dissecting the technical and financial realities, a sale simply made no sense. Advanced reviews of Port Harcourt, along with Kaduna and Warri refineries, revealed that selling them off wouldn't bring the value or stability that rehabilitation promises. What’s more, these facilities remain strategic parts of Nigeria’s energy backbone. Offloading them could leave the nation more exposed to global oil price shocks or refined product shortages.
Ojulari’s message is that NNPC isn’t just another oil company. It's a steward of national infrastructure. The Port Harcourt Refinery isn’t some rusting asset to be offloaded for quick cash—it’s a cornerstone in the bid for energy security. More than anything, the refinery's future now lies in advanced technical partnerships, which bring in fresh expertise and modern capabilities without giving up national control.
Progress is already under way. Upgrades and repairs are moving forward, with the company signaling a strong push to complete high-grade rehabilitation. The vision is ambitious: transform the refineries so they can compete internationally, slash Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel, and create hundreds of new technical jobs along the way. By leaning into collaboration with top engineering partners, NNPC is betting that these plants can turn a fresh page, generating value for the country without sacrificing ownership.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Oil Industry
This U-turn on the sale doesn’t just affect Port Harcourt. The approach extends to refinery rehabilitation in Kaduna and Warri as well, signaling that NNPC is doubling down on its mission to revive local refining. It’s a shot across the bow to anyone expecting a wave of privatizations. Instead, NNPC wants to keep core energy infrastructure in national hands, believing that local control trumps any one-time windfall from asset sales.
That said, the task ahead is huge. Nigeria’s refineries have become infamous for underperforming or flat-out sitting idle, even as the country continues to import a significant portion of its fuel needs. Pushing these plants back into profitability requires deep investments, cutting-edge technology, and a shakeup in longstanding operational habits. But with clear political backing, and the promise of international partnerships, there is guarded optimism that the Port Harcourt facility might actually return to its former glory.
Nigerians have heard plenty of big promises about their refineries over the years. What’s different now is the apparent decisiveness at the top. By shutting the door on a sale, NNPC holds itself accountable for fixing what’s broken—no more passing the buck. For a nation craving energy self-sufficiency, keeping Port Harcourt under Nigerian ownership, while dragging it into a modern era, could matter far more than any quick sale ever could.
grace riehman
August 3, 2025 AT 19:26Hey folks, great to see NNPC sticking with the refinery. Keeping it homegrown means jobs stay here and we all win. Let’s hope the rehab plan actually brings some real results.
We’ve seen too many promises fall flat, but maybe this time it’s different. I’m rooting for a brighter future for Port Harcourt.
Vinay Upadhyay
August 11, 2025 AT 01:59Oh, brilliant. Another ‘strategic’ decision from NNPC that apparently required a PhD in corporate buzzwords to understand. Let’s all pretend that “ill‑advised” and “sub‑commercial” aren’t just fancy ways of saying ‘we’re clueless’. The rehab plan… will it actually fix the leaks or just add more paperwork? I’m sure the engineering partners will love the extra red‑tape. 🙄
Eve Alice Malik
August 18, 2025 AT 08:31I’m actually curious about what kind of tech partners they’re pulling in. Are we talking local firms or big international players? And how will they ensure the local workforce gets trained on the new equipment? It’d be cool if they set up apprenticeship programs alongside the upgrades. This could be a real game‑changer for the region.
Debbie Billingsley
August 25, 2025 AT 15:04Nigeria cannot afford to hand over its strategic assets to foreign hands. The decision to keep Port Harcourt under national control is a triumph for our sovereignty. It sends a clear message that we will not be bullied by multinational interests. Investing in our own refineries strengthens the nation’s energy independence. Let every politician hear this: the future belongs to Nigerians.
Patrick Van den Berghe
September 1, 2025 AT 21:37So they finally realize the refinery is theirs not for sale
Josephine Gardiner
September 9, 2025 AT 04:09The recent announcement by NNPC represents a significant policy shift, emphasizing domestic stewardship over critical energy infrastructure. While the stated objectives are commendable, the success of the rehabilitation program will hinge upon transparent governance and measurable milestones. It remains essential for stakeholders to monitor progress across the stipulated timelines to ensure accountability.
Jordan Fields
September 16, 2025 AT 10:42Indeed, local ownership is vital; however, the rehabilitation must adhere to strict cost‑benefit analysis.