The announcement was made on Thursday via a circular posted on NNPC’s official X account. According to the circular, the NNPC is seeking reputable and credible Operations & Maintenance (O&M) companies to oversee the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC).
The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the efficiency of Nigeria’s refining sector, which has historically faced significant operational challenges. By involving private entities, the NNPC aims to improve the performance and output of these refineries, thereby reducing the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
The selection of the O&M companies will follow a rigorous, three-stage tender process:
Expression of Interest (EOI): Companies will submit their interest to participate in the bidding process.
Technical Evaluation: Submissions will be assessed based on technical capabilities and expertise.
Commercial Evaluation: Financial aspects and cost-effectiveness will be evaluated.
The tender process is designed to maximize cost-saving opportunities in areas such as consumable procurement, personnel management, and the implementation of advanced systems, including Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) and Warehousing Management System (WMS).
Companies interested in bidding must meet several statutory requirements:
Company Registration: Proof of registration and incorporation from the relevant governing body.
Certificate of Incorporation: A certified true copy obtained from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) within the last 12 months, along with the CAC’s latest annual return.
Ownership Structure: Statutory documents detailing the company’s ownership structure, including major shareholders and their percentage holdings.
Company Profile: A detailed profile and a signed letter of application on official letterhead, including contact details and a verified office address.
Tax Clearance: A valid Tax Clearance Certificate for the past three years (2021, 2022, and 2023) from the Federal Inland Revenue Service or equivalent for foreign firms.
Financial Statements: Financial statements for the last three years (2021, 2022, and 2023).
Capacity Assurance: Evidence of the company’s ability to undertake and complete the contract within the specified timeframe.
The Kaduna and Warri refineries, along with the Port Harcourt refineries, are state-owned facilities that have struggled with operational inefficiencies for decades. This has led Nigeria to rely heavily on imported refined petroleum products, affecting the country’s economy.
By engaging private firms to manage these critical refineries, the NNPC aims to address these operational issues and revitalize the refineries. This initiative is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported fuels, potentially leading to significant economic benefits and improvements in the nation’s energy sector.
