The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has granted a License to Establish (LTE) to MRO Energy Ltd for the construction of a 10,000 Barrels Per Stream Day (BPSD) modular refinery at Imode, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State in a statement published on the official handle of the NMDPRA on X (formerly twitter).
The approval was formally presented to MRO Energy Ltd by the Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to boost domestic refining capacity and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
The refinery will be designed to produce high-quality petroleum products, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Marine Diesel Oil, and Bunker Fuel Oil. The facility will meet Euro 5 product specifications, ensuring compliance with international environmental and efficiency standards.
Industry analysts have welcomed the development, noting that the refinery’s strategic location in Delta State positions it to serve key markets in Nigeria and West Africa efficiently. The refinery is also expected to adopt sustainable practices to minimize its environmental footprint while aligning with global efforts toward cleaner energy production.
The project is part of the government’s broader push to encourage private sector participation in the oil and gas industry, with modular refineries playing a key role in meeting local demand, reducing product shortages, and stabilizing fuel prices across the country.
According to the statement on the official website of MRO Energy Ltd, Mr. Monday Okoro, Managing Director of MRO Energy Ltd, expressed his appreciation for the support received from regulatory authorities and stakeholders.
“We are honored to receive this approval from NMDPRA, which is a significant step toward realizing our vision of enhancing Nigeria’s refining capacity and reducing the nation’s dependence on imported petroleum products. This project will not only boost energy security but also create job opportunities, support local economic development, and contribute to national growth.”
Mr. Okoro reaffirmed MRO Energy’s commitment to ensuring that the refinery’s development follows the highest safety, environmental, and operational standards. He further stated, “We remain dedicated to working closely with our host communities, regulatory agencies, and industry partners to ensure the successful implementation of this project and to deliver value to all stakeholders.”
Speaking on the development, Engr. Farouk Ahmed emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering investment in the downstream petroleum sector. He stated, “This approval marks another step towards achieving Nigeria’s goal of self-sufficiency in petroleum refining. The government remains dedicated to supporting private sector initiatives aimed at closing the refining gap and promoting local content development.”
