The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has issued licences to three oil companies for the construction of refineries that will collectively add 140,000 barrels per day (bpd) to Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, NMDPRA disclosed that Eghudu Refinery Limited received approval to construct a 100,000 bpd refinery in Edo State, MB Refinery and Petrochemicals Company Limited secured a licence for a 30,000 bpd refinery in Delta State, while HIS Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited was granted a licence for a 10,000 bpd refinery in Abia State.
NMDPRA’s Authority Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, formally presented the licences to the Managing Directors of the respective companies.
“These licences, which would add 140,000 barrels per day to Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity, were presented to the MDs of the companies,” the regulatory agency stated.
The move aligns with the government’s push to enhance local refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products. This development follows NMDPRA’s August 2024 approval of an operational licence for the Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited in Ologbo, Edo State—marking the final stage of regulatory approval for full operations.
With the latest approvals, Nigeria moves closer to achieving self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products, bolstering energy security and economic growth.
