Oil marketers say fast-tracking the Warri and Port Harcourt refinery partnership will boost fuel supply, strengthen competition, and help lower pump prices……
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to speed up the completion of its proposed Technical Equity Partnership with two Chinese firms for the rehabilitation and operation of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.
The association said the prolonged delay in finalising the agreement is denying Nigerians the economic benefits expected from the refinery revival, including improved fuel availability, stronger competition in the downstream sector, and lower petroleum prices.
The call was made by the former Unit Chairman and Zonal Secretary of IPMAN’s Eastern Zone (System 2E), Comrade Inimgba Emmanuel Okubowei, while speaking with journalists during the Good Governance Summit organised by Working People United (WOPU) in Abuja.
According to IPMAN, the proposed partnership with Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd has the potential to transform Nigeria’s refining sector if implemented without further delays.
The agreement stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on April 30, 2026, aimed at completing and operating the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.
Okubowei said restoring the two facilities would significantly expand Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, and improve product availability across the country.
He added that increased local refining would also encourage healthier competition among operators, creating the conditions for more competitive fuel prices.
“The Eastern Zone of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited under the leadership of its Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, to expedite the conclusion of the proposed Technical Equity Partnership with the two Chinese companies for the completion and operation of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries,” he said.
The association believes the entry of additional technically experienced refinery operators would improve operational efficiency while reducing monopolistic tendencies within the downstream petroleum industry.
According to Okubowei, greater competition remains one of the most effective ways to achieve fair pricing, as multiple refining players would be forced to compete on efficiency, product quality, and pricing.
He argued that increased domestic refining capacity would ultimately translate into lower fuel costs for consumers while strengthening Nigeria’s overall energy security.
IPMAN also urged NNPCL to provide stakeholders with an update on the reasons behind the delay and disclose a clear timeline for concluding the partnership and commencing full implementation.
The marketers stressed that transparency and timely communication would boost investor confidence and reassure Nigerians that the refinery rehabilitation project remains on course.
Beyond lower fuel prices, the association said the successful execution of the partnership would stimulate economic growth, attract fresh investment into the oil and gas sector, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure.
NNPCL entered into the Memorandum of Understanding with the two Chinese companies during a signing ceremony held in Jiaxing City, China, on April 30, 2026. The agreement was signed by NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, alongside Sanjiang Chemical Company Chairman, Guan Jianzhong, and Chairman of Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, Bill Bi.
IPMAN maintained that Nigerians are eager to see the project move beyond the agreement stage, expressing confidence that the successful revival of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries would play a major role in strengthening local refining capacity, improving fuel supply, and delivering lasting relief to consumers.
