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NNPC Signs MoU with Chinese Firms to Revive Port Harcourt, Warri Refineries

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BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—NNPC Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies—Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xingcheng (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd—as part of efforts to complete and fully operationalize the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

The agreement, executed in China, was signed by the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, alongside Chairman of Sanjiang Chemical Company, Guan Jianzhong, and Chairman of Xingcheng (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, Bill Bi.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Andy Odeh, the collaboration is structured around a potential Technical Equity Partnership (TEP). The framework is expected to support the completion of outstanding work at both refineries, as well as their operation and maintenance to achieve efficient and sustainable performance.

The partnership also includes plans for expansion and upgrades aimed at improving product quality to meet cleaner and more profitable standards. In addition, the proposed collaboration will explore opportunities to boost petrochemical output and develop gas-based industrial hubs around the refinery locations.

Ojulari described the signing of the MoU as a significant milestone, noting that it followed over six months of engagement between the technical and management teams of NNPC Ltd and its Chinese partners. He added that the agreement marks a critical step toward identifying suitable technical equity partners to restart and expand Nigeria’s refining capacity.

The MoU, he said, also opens the door for further discussions on co-located petrochemical projects and gas-based industries, which are expected to enhance value across the downstream sector.

While the agreement signals strong intent from all parties, NNPC Ltd noted that it represents a preliminary framework, with more detailed and binding arrangements expected to be finalized in due course.

The post NNPC Signs MoU with Chinese Firms to Revive Port Harcourt, Warri Refineries appeared first on Business Today NG.

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JAMB Elevates Four New Directors to Strengthen Operations

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has promoted four top staff members to director positions as part of efforts to improve its operational effectiveness and service delivery.

The announcement was made by the Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, during a formal ceremony in Abuja, where he confirmed that the elevation had been approved by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa.

The newly appointed directors are Mrs. Funmilola Fauzziyyah B. Usman, who now heads Information Technology Services; Mr. Abdulsalam Mohammed, appointed Director of Procurement; Mr. Jauro Jamilu, who will oversee the Ilorin Zonal Office; and Mr. Olukayode Dada, now Director of the JAMB Training School in Kaduna.

Speaking at the event, Oloyede congratulated the appointees and urged them to justify the trust placed in them through commitment, discipline, and professionalism.

He emphasized that their new responsibilities require strong integrity and a deeper sense of duty in carrying out their roles.

The Registrar also disclosed that JAMB has submitted a request to the Ministry of Education for the approval of three additional director appointments, adding that further leadership adjustments may follow once approval is granted.

According to the board, the restructuring is part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening leadership capacity and ensuring a more efficient and credible admission process into tertiary institutions nationwide.

The post JAMB Elevates Four New Directors to Strengthen Operations appeared first on Business Today NG.

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Universal Insurance Boosts Confidence Ahead of Industry Recapitalisation

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From left: President and Chairman of Council of NCRIB, Barr. (Mrs.) Ekeoma Ezeibe Presenting award plaque to the Managing Director/CEO of Universal Insurance Plc, Dr. Japhet Duru, at the April 2026 edition of the Brokers’ Evening sponsored by the company in Lagos. 


BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—
As Nigeria’s insurance industry approaches the 2026 recapitalisation exercise, Universal Insurance Plc has expressed strong confidence in its ability to exceed regulatory capital requirements, while reassuring brokers of its continued commitment to service delivery and partnership.

The recapitalisation initiative follows the Presidential assent to the Nigeria Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) on August 5, 2025. The reform is designed to strengthen the regulatory framework, enhance policyholder protection, deepen insurance penetration, and ensure that underwriting firms meet their statutory obligations, particularly in claims settlement and risk coverage.

Speaking at the April 2026 edition of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) Members’ Evening held in Lagos, the Managing Director/CEO of Universal Insurance Plc, Dr. Japhet Duru, emphasized the critical role brokers play in the company’s growth and success.

READ ALSO: Universal Insurance Emerges Best Insurance Company Supporting Youth Drug Abuse Prevention in Nigeria

He described brokers as “the backbone of insurance distribution,” noting that they remain trusted advisors to clients and key drivers of industry expansion. According to him, Universal Insurance has continued to strengthen its relationship with brokers through improved service delivery channels, enhanced communication, streamlined underwriting processes, and faster turnaround times—especially in claims settlement.

Addressing concerns around recapitalisation, Dr. Duru disclosed that the company is already taking concrete steps toward meeting the new capital requirements.

He revealed that Universal Insurance is finalizing documentation to commence a Rights Issue and private placement, with strong backing from existing shareholders.

“We have received commitments from many of our shareholders not only to retain their shares but to increase their stakes. In fact, the level of interest suggests we may have to refund some funds after the exercise due to oversubscription,” he said.

This development signals a strong vote of confidence in the company’s financial health and positions it as a likely contender among firms expected to meet the recapitalisation threshold set by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

Also speaking at the event, the President and Chairman of Council of NCRIB, Barr. (Mrs.) Ekeoma Ezeibe, commended Universal Insurance for sponsoring the event and acknowledged the impressive turnout of industry stakeholders.

She highlighted the broader economic reforms shaping Nigeria’s business environment, noting that recent policy changes are creating new opportunities for insurance growth. According to her, foreign exchange market reforms have improved transparency, with a reported 41 percent year-on-year increase in capital inflows in the first quarter of 2026.

Ezeibe further noted that savings from subsidy reforms are being channeled into infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, new industrial roads, and the Presidential CNG Initiative—developments that are generating significant insurable assets.

“These reforms are unlocking value across sectors. New infrastructure requires builders’ liability insurance, CNG fleets need motor and goods-in-transit covers, and growing SMEs require group life and asset protection policies. Insurance is fast becoming critical economic infrastructure,” she said.

She urged brokers to position themselves strategically to harness these emerging opportunities, assuring that NCRIB will continue to support members in converting national economic growth into increased insurance penetration.

The event also featured a comedy performance by popular Nigerian comedian Igwe, adding a lively touch to the gathering. It was attended by notable industry figures, including past NCRIB presidents Mr. Sola Tinubu and Prince Babatunde Oguntade, as well as the immediate past president of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mr. Edwin Igbiti.

The post Universal Insurance Boosts Confidence Ahead of Industry Recapitalisation appeared first on Business Today NG.

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