The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has announced that the commissioning of the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery is imminent. Furthermore, the Authority will soon grant the refinery an operational license.
This announcement was made by NMDPRA’s Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, during a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, where he revealed that only three refineries currently possess valid licenses.
“We have issue three refineries with three valid licences. We awarded to Dangote Refinery even in their pre- commissioning and sooner than later they will have full commission and a valid license to also operate,” he said.
Ahmed also noted that about 15 gas facilities have valid licences while more were undergoing processing.
According to him, there are 1,199 facilities with valid licences in the downstream.
He also said there are more than 176 operators, who hold gas import permits.
The Authority Chief Executive also noted that there are 130 depots with valid licences while 69 hold valid coastal vessels licences.
In terms of retail, Ahmed said NMDPRA has licensed 9,464 retail outlets as at 10:00am yesterday.
His words: “In the gas processing facility, within the midstream, there are about 15 of them with valid licenses. And much are under processing.
“If you go to the downstream, in the gas state of the downstream, there are facilities more that 1,199 facilities are with NMDPRA valid licences. More than 176 operators hold gas import permits. In the liquid licensing side of the downstream, there are 130 depots with valid licenses, coastal vessels of more than 69 valid licenses as at today.”
The CEO of NMDPRA emphasized the importance of including midstream and downstream operations in the Host Community framework, as they are impacted by emissions and effluence. He used the examples of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and NLNG to illustrate the scope of emissions.
He presented data on midstream and downstream operations to help stakeholders understand their reach and encouraged them to provide input on which facilities should be included in the Host Community and the criteria for doing so. The forum was organized to gather stakeholders’ ideas and feedback.
Nigeria’s energy sector is about to experience a new era with the upcoming commissioning of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the granting of an operational license by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority. In Nigeria’s pursuit of economic diversification, industrial transformation, and energy self-sufficiency, the refinery’s opening marks a critical turning point. Nigeria, which produces the most oil in Africa, has the ability to use its natural resources to the advantage of both its people and the continent. Nigeria can realize its full potential as an energy powerhouse and an engine of sustainable development in Africa with the help of visionary leadership, strategic investments, and regulatory backing. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is proof of the ability of creativity, initiative, and teamwork to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities in
