SPE-NAICE 2026: Nigeria Poised to Dominate African Refining
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has projected that Nigeria will transform into Africa’s refining hub, citing federal government reforms and planned expansions across the sector.
According to NMDPRA Chief Executive, Mallam Rabiu Umar, the investments underway will significantly boost the country’s refining capacity in the years ahead.
He harped on energy security, adding that the commission would continue to be resolute, proactive, friendly but strict in the implementation of policies that will grow the sector.
He spoke during the opening ceremony of the Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE 2026) organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Lagos on Monday
With the theme of the conference: “Thriving in the evolving global energy landscape: collaborating growth and resilience”, Umar said it aligned with the current industry priorities.
He said: “There is a monumental transformation with the siting of world-class private refineries, alongside modular refineries. Nigeria is rapidly transitioning from a net exporter of crude oil and importer of refined petroleum products to a self-sustaining refining hub and exporter of refined petroleum products.
“With the ongoing policies and the expansions we are going to witness in the coming years, Nigeria is going to turn into a refining hub for Africa.
Commission Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, emphasised the importance of collaboration.
She said: “From this year’s conference, we will continue working together to build a resilient, globally competitive, upstream petroleum industry that will not only adapt to change, but help shape the future of the global energy landscape.
“As we gather over the next three days, I encourage every participant to speak openly, challenge existing assumptions, and propose practical solutions to the issues confronting our industry.
“Every thoughtful recommendation, every innovative idea, and every constructive debate contribute to strengthening our regulatory framework and improving the investment climate.”
She assured that the governments and the Commission will continue to work on these contributions and carefully consider the outcomes of the deliberations as valuable inputs into future policy development and regulatory decision-making.
She said: “We are blessed with abundant oil and gas resources, a vibrant and growing indigenous industry, a young and talented workforce, an improving regulatory framework, and a strategic location that connects us to regional and global markets.
