The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced its plan to transfer the management and operations of the Warri and Kaduna refineries to private operators.
NNPCL revealed this decision through its official X account, indicating its intention to engage reputable Operations and Maintenance (O&M) companies for both refineries. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing efficiency and improving operational standards at these major facilities.
The Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, established in 1978 in Delta State, has a distillation capacity of 125,000 barrels per day (bpd). It also features a petrochemical plant with significant production capabilities, including 13,000 tonnes per annum (MTA) of polypropylene and 18,000 MTA of carbon black.
The Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, operational since 1980, initially had a capacity of 50,000 bpd, which was later expanded to 110,000 bpd. The facility has undergone several expansions, including the addition of a second crude train in 1983 and increased capacity in 1986.
NNPCL’s decision to involve private firms is expected to drive improvements in management and operational standards, potentially transforming the impact of these refineries on Nigeria’s energy sector.