The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has clarified that its recent agreement with two Chinese firms to support refinery rehabilitation does not involve any fresh financial commitment.

The company said the understanding signed with Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xingcheng Industrial Park is only a preliminary step meant to explore possible cooperation on the rehabilitation and operation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

A senior official of NNPC Limited explained that the arrangement is not a contract and does not commit the company to spending any money on new rehabilitation works.

According to the official, the deal is a non-binding framework that allows both sides to discuss areas such as technical support, maintenance, financing options, and possible expansion into petrochemical and gas-related projects.

He also dismissed concerns that government funds would be used, stressing that the company now operates under a commercial model that relies on partnerships rather than state funding.

The official added that the long-term plan is to bring in investors who can share both financial risks and operational responsibilities in running the refineries more efficiently.

Nigeria’s refineries, including those in Port Harcourt and Warri, have faced repeated shutdowns despite several costly rehabilitation efforts over the years, raising public concern about transparency and value for money.

The latest clarification comes as public attention continues to focus on how the country plans to finally restore consistent refining capacity without further heavy government spending.