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FG issues nine new refinery licences

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The President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority has issued licenses for nine modular refineries.

The Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, said this on Monday at the 2024 Oil Trading & Logistics Africa Downstream Energy Week in Lagos.

He said the licenses were issued under President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the past year.

According to him, Nigeria’s refining capacity has been increasing under the current administration, especially with the Dangote Refinery coming on stream.

He said the NMDPRA issued nine licenses to establish modular refineries, seven licenses to construct, and four licenses to also operate modular refineries.

“Over the course of the last year, the NMDORA has revised and consolidated its regulations through strategic industry stakeholder engagements with a view to streamlining the regulatory framework for ease of doing business and compliance. This is complemented by the issuance of relevant guidelines on automation for processes to strengthen regulatory clarity and enhance compliance.

“Our refinery sector has been expanding rapidly with the issuance of nine licenses to establish, seven licenses to construct and four licenses to operate modular refineries,” he stated.

Ahmed acknowledged the leadership of Tinubu “in enhancing the investment environment of the mainstream industrial sector through the novel sectoral policies that have been in place in the last 18 months”.

According to him, the bold reforms of the President have transformed the sector into an attractive investment destination that supports profitability and viable business ventures in the oil and gas industries.

The NMDPRA boss maintained that under the current administration and the ministers in charge of the oil and gas sectors, Nigeria is poised to actualise the target of 3 million barrels per day of crude oil production and the projected 10 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day for domestic utilisation.

He said Nigeria will also boost its proposed domestic refining capacity leading to Nigeria becoming a net exporter of petroleum products.

“Indeed, the Nigerian petroleum industry collector has all the complements of enabling structures to facilitate its growth and success. The NMDPRA is fully committed to supporting all the reform initiatives of Mr President and the mainstream and downstream subsector through enhanced regulatory processes, including efficient issuance of licences, permits and provisions,” he declared.

The regulator said the Nigerian petrol market is indeed undergoing major transformations for liberalisation.

“Our inspired target is to achieve a fully liberalised and mature market for all petroleum products and natural gas, where the market fundamentals lead to robust price discovery and attractive investment opportunities. The Federal Government is deepening the liberalisation of the energy market through robust policies and provision of generous incentives to increase investment by both domestic and international companies,” he added.

Credit: punchng.com

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