Local refineries in Nigeria have been urged to adhere to stricter environmental standards, specifically ensuring that the sulphur content in refined petroleum products does not exceed 50 parts per million (ppm). This call to action was made by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, at a recent summit organized by the Crude Oil Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) in Lagos. The minister highlighted the importance of compliance with the regulations set forth by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in managing sulfur levels in fuels, emphasizing that local operators must align their practices with both regional and government policies aimed at promoting cleaner refining processes.
The summit also provided a platform for dialogue on the challenges facing the Nigerian petroleum industry. A recent controversy arose when the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of allowing the importation of substandard fuels, specifically those with high sulphur content. NMDPRA’s head, Farouk Ahmed, refuted Dangote’s claims, underscoring that the diesel produced by local refineries often falls short of the acceptable sulphur levels. This confrontation further highlights the pressing need for regulatory oversight and adherence to established environmental standards within Nigeria’s refining sector.
Lokpobiri reaffirmed the commitment of the ministry to strengthen environmental guidelines by encouraging refinery operators not only to comply with sulphur limits but also to adopt comprehensive waste management and recycling programs. His statements at the CORAN summit reflected a broader goal of aligning Nigeria’s refining sector with global sustainability commitments, including the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. In pursuit of these objectives, the minister also disclosed that an international emergency committee had been formed to address challenges related to crude oil theft and illegal refining operations, which have contributed to inefficiencies in Nigeria’s oil production and refinement efforts.
Moreover, the minister shared insights on the government’s plans to enhance Nigeria’s role as a center for refining and energy distribution within the African region. Through collaborations with neighboring countries under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area, the government aims to facilitate joint refinery projects and energy markets. Lokpobiri emphasized that successful refinery development is vital not only for economic growth but also for ensuring energy security in Nigeria. By boosting its refining capacity, improving regulatory standards, and prioritizing technological advancements, Nigeria can become a competitive player in the global market and subsequently create jobs, increase revenue, and reduce reliance on imported fuel products.
To further drive these initiatives, Lokpobiri reiterated his appeal to potential investors to engage with the Nigerian refining sector. He noted the urgency for capital infusion to address existing gaps in refining capabilities, citing the government’s renewed commitment to creating a conducive environment for refinery development. The minister’s opening for stakeholder feedback during the summit indicates a desire to integrate insights from the industry into policy formulations that will support efficient and sustainable refining practices across the nation.
In summary, the concerted efforts directed toward enforcing lower sulphur emissions in refined petroleum products and enhancing the operational capacity of local refineries underscore Nigeria’s strategic approach to meet environmental goals and boost its economic prospects. The involvement of both government stakeholders and private investors is critical to achieving these objectives. As Nigeria navigates challenges in its refining sector, the collaborative pursuit of cleaner, more efficient practices, aligned with regional partnerships, will be essential in transforming the country’s oil industry into a sustainable and robust economic driver.
