The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has licensed 83 refineries across the country, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to transform its oil sector under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
According to a press statement released by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), the newly licensed refineries possess a combined refining capacity of 1,124,500 barrels per day. The licenses comprise eight refineries granted Licenses to Operate (LTO), 30 with Licenses to Construct (LTC), and 45 issued Licenses to Establish (LTE).
At a recent event in Abuja marking his 65th birthday, PETROAN National President, Dr. Billy Gillis Harry, applauded the NMDPRA for its achievements and emphasized the necessity of ensuring crude oil availability for local refiners. “If these refineries must remain in business, adequate provision must be made for sufficient volume of crude oil to be set aside for them,” he said.
Dr. Harry outlined the benefits of supporting local refining, noting that increased domestic production would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products, conserve foreign exchange, and create employment opportunities. “These refineries, when fully operational, will stimulate economic growth and significantly contribute to the nation’s GDP,” he added.
PETROAN praised the NMDPRA’s Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, for driving innovation and transparency in the sector, which has boosted investor confidence. Commendations were also extended to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, for improving daily crude oil production through enhanced security efforts.
Significantly, PETROAN reported a sharp decline in petrol imports—from 44.6 million litres per day in August 2024 to 14.7 million litres per day as of April 13, 2025—highlighting the impact of improved local refining.
Dr. Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, affirmed the association’s commitment to supporting the transformation of the petroleum industry. “With continued collaboration, Nigeria is poised to become a full petroleum export nation within the next two years,” he stated.
This development signals a positive shift in Nigeria’s oil landscape, as the nation moves towards energy independence and sustainable growth in the sector.
