By Godwin Orozo
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced plans to hire private companies to manage the operation and maintenance of its refineries in Kaduna and Warri.
This decision is part of a broader effort to enhance the reliability and sustainability of the nation’s fuel supply and energy security.
In a circular released on Thursday via its official X account, NNPC stated, “NNPC Ltd is seeking to engage reputable and credible Operations & Maintenance (O&M) companies to operate and maintain two of its refineries, Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), to ensure reliability and sustainability to meet the nation’s fuel supply and energy security obligations.”
The tender process for these refineries will be conducted as a single tender, consisting of three stages: Expression of Interest (EOI), Technical, and Commercial.
NNPC emphasized that this approach aims to capitalize on cost-saving opportunities related to the procurement of consumables, personnel management, and the implementation of systems like the Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) and Warehousing Management System (WMS).
Companies interested in bidding must meet several statutory requirements, including evidence of company registration, tax clearance certificates for the past three years, and a verified office address, among other criteria.
This development is part of the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to revive the nation’s refining capacity and reduce its reliance on imported petroleum products.
While NNPC Managing Director Mele Kyari recently assured that the Port Harcourt refinery would resume operations in August, with Kaduna and Warri refineries expected to follow in the second half of 2025, there is skepticism about these timelines. Previous deadlines for the refineries’ reopening have not been met, leading to doubts about the feasibility of the current projections.
NNPC’s latest move underscores the urgent need to restore functionality to Nigeria’s refineries, which have been largely non-operational, forcing the country to depend heavily on imported refined petroleum products, a situation that has strained the economy.
