NNPC, China’s NORINCO explore partnership on oil, gas, energy infrastructure

NNPC, Chinese firm NORINCO explore partnership on oil, gas, energy infrastructure

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has opened talks with China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO Group) on possible cooperation in crude oil production, gas commercialisation, trading, technology, investment and energy infrastructure.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NNPC said it hosted the Chinese delegation on Friday.

“NNPC Limited on Friday hosted a delegation from China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO Group) for talks on areas of cooperation in energy infrastructure, crude oil production, gas commercialisation and trading, technology, and investment,” the company said.

The delegation was led by Zuxi Huang, Vice President of China Zhenhua Oil Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of NORINCO Group.

NNPC’s Group Chief Financial Officer, Dapo Segun, and Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, received the team, while other company leaders joined virtually.

NNPC said both parties discussed their business interests and how a prospective partnership could support its operations.

“Both parties exchanged views on their respective business interests and explored how a prospective partnership could add value to NNPC Limited’s operations, drive growth in crude oil and gas production and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security,” the statement read.

The engagement comes as international investors increasingly focus on Africa’s energy sector, with countries seeking to expand gas utilisation, close electricity gaps and meet growing demand.

NNPC said Nigeria, which holds Africa’s largest proven natural gas reserves, remains a major destination for energy investment.

“NNPC Limited continues to engage international partners with technical expertise and needed capital to expand the country’s energy infrastructure,” the company added.

The national oil firm noted that it has previously worked with Chinese companies, including on the Abuja Independent Power Plant project involving China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) and GE Vernova.

No agreement was announced after the meeting, and NNPC did not disclose the financial value of any potential partnership.