The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on Monday opened bid to privatise the operation of the Port Harcourt Refinery.

In an Expression of Interest (EO) on its website, the company said the decision was to ensure reliability and sustainability of the company’s operations.

“The NNPC Limited is seeking to engage reputable and credible Operations & Maintenance (O&M) companies to operate and maintain one of its refineries, Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), to ensure reliability and sustainability towards meeting the nation’s fuel supply and energy security obligations,” it stated.

The bid closes on January 29, while documents should be submitted electronically by February 26.

The would-be operator, said NNPCL, is expected to state the current percentage of its management and total workforce who are Nigerian nationals.

NNPCL had on December 15 announced the mechanical completion of the refinery rehabilitation.