The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has moved a step closer to restarting the country’s dormant refining system after trimming its search for investor-technical partners to three shortlisted firms.

According to industry insiders, the company is now in advanced discussions with the selected contenders as it works to bring the Port Harcourt refineries back to life first, before extending the same model to the Warri and Kaduna plants. The three state-owned facilities, which together hold about 445,000 barrels-per-day capacity, have been largely non-operational for years despite multiple rehabilitation attempts.

NNPC’s latest approach marks a shift from decades of government-funded fixes that failed to deliver consistent output. By seeking equity and operational partners with proven expertise, the company hopes to end Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported fuel and reestablish a stable domestic supply chain.

Analysts say successful selection of a partner could accelerate the restart timeline, bring improved oversight, and potentially reshape the downstream sector. However, the deal still faces hurdles, including legacy infrastructure issues and the need for clear commercial terms.

Talks with the shortlisted firms are ongoing, with the final selection expected to set the direction for Nigeria’s long-awaited refinery overhaul.