The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has cautioned against calls for the country’s state-owned refineries to be disposed of as scrap, insisting that the facilities remain strategic national assets with significant economic value.

The company said ongoing reviews and restructuring efforts are aimed at restoring long-term viability to the refineries rather than abandoning them because of their current challenges.

NNPC noted that the facilities play an important role in Nigeria’s energy security and should be viewed as assets capable of contributing to domestic fuel supply when properly operated and managed. Recent company statements have emphasized partnerships and equity participation rather than outright disposal of refinery assets.

According to the company, the objective is to attract experienced operators and investors who can help improve efficiency, reduce losses and strengthen the performance of the refineries.

NNPC maintained that while the refineries have faced operational difficulties, selling them as scrap would not reflect their strategic importance to the country’s petroleum industry.

Nigeria’s major state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna have undergone rehabilitation efforts and remain central to discussions on domestic refining capacity.

The company stressed that the focus should be on finding sustainable commercial solutions that can return the facilities to productive operation and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.

NNPC also reiterated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector through investments, partnerships and reforms designed to improve energy availability and supply security.

The remarks come amid broader changes in Nigeria’s refining landscape, including the expansion of private-sector refining capacity and increased investment in domestic petroleum processing.

The company said decisions regarding the future of the refineries would be guided by economic value, national interest and the goal of ensuring a resilient and competitive energy sector.

NNPC added that preserving and repositioning critical energy infrastructure remains essential to supporting industrial growth, job creation and long-term national development.