The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has approved a license for the construction of a new 10,000 barrels per stream day (BPSD) refinery in Imode, Ughelli, Delta State.
The license was granted to MRO Energy Limited, marking a significant step in boosting Nigeria’s refining capacity. This announcement comes just two months after the NMDPRA approved a license for Process Design and Development Limited to construct a 27,000-BPSD refinery in Dole-Wure, Akko, Gombe State.
The NMDPRA disclosed the latest approval via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday. “The Authority Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, presented a Licence To Establish a 10,000 Barrels Per Stream Day Refinery at Imode in Ughelli, Delta State, to MRO Energy Limited,” the statement read.
With this development, Nigeria now officially hosts around 11 modular and conventional refineries. The move is expected to enhance domestic refining capabilities and reduce the country’s dependency on imported petroleum products.
Earlier this month, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) announced plans to collaborate with its partners to establish a refinery with an initial capacity of 50,000 barrels per day, further signaling increased investment in the sector.
Despite the rise in refinery approvals, many existing refineries remain non-operational or are functioning below capacity, highlighting the need for sustained investment and operational efficiency to fully realize the potential of Nigeria’s refining industry.
