By Stephen Simon
Nigeria’s domestic refining industry is projected to receive a major boost in 2027, with seven additional modular refineries expected to commence operations with a combined capacity of 83,000 barrels per day.
The projection was disclosed by George Maher-Bonnett of Argus Media during a presentation at the OTL Africa Downstream conference in Lagos.In his presentation titled African Energy Outlook, Maher-Bonnett said four modular refineries were operating in Nigeria as of September, with a combined capacity of 32,000 barrels per day.
He projected that seven additional facilities would begin operations next year, adding 83,000 barrels per day to the country’s refining capacity.
The development comes amid efforts to strengthen domestic petroleum production and reduce dependence on imported refined products.Maher-Bonnett also highlighted the growing influence of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which has a nameplate capacity of 700,000 barrels per day.
He observed that increased local refining capacity and changes in domestic fuel demand were reshaping the petroleum products market in Nigeria and the wider West African region.
However, the seven proposed refineries have not been individually identified in the published presentation, and their respective commissioning schedules remain unclear.If delivered as projected, the additional facilities could increase domestic refining capacity, although actual output will depend on commissioning, financing, crude supply and sustained operations.
