PETROAN hails NMDPRA for licensing 83 refineries

– Urges crude supply to sustain local production

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, has applauded the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, for achieving a major regulatory milestone by licensing 83 refineries across the country, with a combined refining capacity of 1,124,500 barrels per day.

According to NMDPRA data, the 83 licensed refineries include eight with Licenses to Operate, LTO; 30 with Licenses to Construct, LTC; and 45 with Licenses to Establish, LTE.

This development, according to PETROAN, is a strong signal that Nigeria’s oil sector is becoming increasingly attractive to investors, due to a renewed drive for transparency and innovation in the regulatory framework.

Speaking during his 65th birthday celebration in Abuja, PETROAN National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, emphasized the need for dedicated crude oil supply to local refineries to ensure they remain operational and profitable.

“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 stressed.

Gillis-Harry listed two major benefits of supplying crude to local refineries to include increased domestic production and economic growth.

“It will reduce reliance on imported products and conserve foreign exchange. It will also create jobs and stimulate economic growth, as local refineries would be able to operate at optimal capacity and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP,” he said.

PETROAN also commended the Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, for fostering transparency and innovation that has attracted private capital and revitalized regulatory trust.

“We commend Engr. Farouk Ahmed for the innovation and transparency his office is bringing, which has attracted investors and boosted confidence in the sector,” he said.

He also credited President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for growth, as well as Petroleum Resources Minister, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, for his security strategies that have improved crude oil production levels.

“His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, has shown great leadership and vision in transforming the petroleum industry. We appreciate the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources for his security initiatives that have improved the daily crude oil production volume.”

PETROAN further highlighted a key achievement of the ongoing local refining push, noting the sharp drop in petrol imports—from 44.6 million litres per day in August 2024 to 14.7 million litres per day by April 13, 2025—as a testament to NMDPRA’s impact.

Also, PETROAN National PRO, Dr. Joseph Obele, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to collaborating with NMDPRA and other stakeholders to ensure the long-term success of Nigeria’s refining sector.

“As we move forward, PETROAN will continue to collaborate with the NMDPRA and other industry players to address challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. We are confident that Nigeria’s petroleum industry will experience significant growth and transformation in the coming years.”