Full List of Refineries in Nigeria and their Locations

A refinery, in the context of industrial processes, is a facility where raw materials such as crude oil, natural gas, or various types of ores are processed to extract useful products.

In the case of oil refineries, crude oil undergoes a series of physical and chemical processes such as distillation, cracking, and treatment to produce various petroleum products like gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and various types of lubricants and petrochemicals.

Refineries are complex installations that require sophisticated technology and engineering to operate efficiently and safely. They play a crucial role in the global economy by providing the fuels and materials necessary for transportation, industry, and many other aspects of modern life.

With vast oil reserves and a robust petroleum sector, the country Nigeria plays a pivotal role in the production and refining of crude oil. Refineries are integral to this process, serving as key facilities where crude oil is processed into various petroleum products.

Here is the full list of refineries in Nigeria and their locations, shedding light on their significance in the nation’s economic landscape.

1. Port Harcourt Refinery Complex

   • Location: Alesa Eleme, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
   • Capacity: The complex comprises two refineries: Port Harcourt Refinery (PHRC) and Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) 2. Together, they have a combined capacity of 210,000 barrels per day.
   • Brief Overview: Established in 1965, the Port Harcourt Refinery Complex is one of Nigeria’s oldest refining facilities. Despite facing operational challenges and periodic shutdowns due to maintenance issues and vandalism, it remains a critical asset in the country’s refining infrastructure.

2. Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC)

   • Location: Ekpan, Warri, Delta State
   • Capacity: The refinery has a capacity of 125,000 barrels per day.
   • Brief Overview: Commissioned in 1978, the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company is strategically located in the heart of Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region. Like other refineries in the country, WRPC has encountered operational hurdles over the years but continues to contribute to Nigeria’s refining capacity.

3. Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC)

   • Location: Kaduna, Kaduna State
   • Capacity: The refinery has a capacity of 110,000 barrels per day.
   • Brief Overview: Established in 1980, the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company is situated in northern Nigeria. It plays a crucial role in supplying petroleum products to the northern region of the country, thereby reducing dependence on imports from other parts of Nigeria.

4. Dangote Refinery

   • Location: Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos State
   • Capacity: Upon completion, the refinery is expected to have a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, making it one of the largest single-train refineries globally.
   • Brief Overview: Currently under construction, the Dangote Refinery represents a significant private sector investment in Nigeria’s refining sector. Led by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, the refinery aims to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products and position the country as a net exporter of refined products.

5. Bua Group Refinery

   • Location: Akwa Ibom State
   • Capacity: The refinery is planned to have a capacity of 200,000 barrels per day.
   • Brief Overview: The Bua Group Refinery is another ambitious project poised to enhance Nigeria’s refining capacity. Located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, the refinery holds promise for bolstering domestic refining capabilities and reducing the nation’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

6. Petrolex Oil & Gas Refinery

   • Location: Ibefun, Ogun State
   • Capacity: The refinery is projected to have a capacity of 250,000 barrels per day.
   • Brief Overview: Situated in southwestern Nigeria, the Petrolex Oil & Gas Refinery is positioned to serve both domestic and international markets. With a focus on leveraging advanced technology and sustainable practices, the refinery aims to contribute to Nigeria’s energy security and economic development.

7. Modular Refineries

   • Location: Various locations across Nigeria
   • Capacity: Variable, typically smaller-scale operations
   • Brief Overview: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in modular refineries as a means of decentralizing refining operations and promoting local participation in the oil and gas sector. These smaller-scale facilities, often located in resource-rich regions, cater to local demand and support economic development at the grassroots level.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s refining landscape comprises a diverse array of facilities spread across different regions of the country. While challenges such as aging infrastructure, operational inefficiencies, and regulatory constraints persist, these refineries remain vital to Nigeria’s energy security and economic prosperity. Moreover, ongoing investments in new projects like the Dangote Refinery and Bua Group Refinery signal a commitment to expanding and modernizing the nation’s refining capacity, positioning Nigeria as a significant player in the global oil industry for years to come.