Nigeria’s modular refining sector is expected to receive a major boost in 2027, with seven new refineries projected to begin operations and add a combined capacity of 83,000 barrels per day (bpd).
The projection was disclosed by George Maher-Bonnett of Argus Media during the OTL Africa Downstream conference in Lagos on Wednesday.
Presenting the African Energy Outlook, Maher-Bonnett said four modular refineries were operating in Nigeria as of September 2026, with a combined capacity of 32,000 bpd.
The seven proposed facilities would more than double the existing modular refining capacity, potentially raising it to 115,000 bpd if all the projects commence operations as projected.
However, the presentation did not identify the proposed refineries, their owners or locations, or provide details of their individual capacities and commissioning dates.
Maher-Bonnett also highlighted the growing contribution of the 700,000bpd Dangote Petroleum Refinery to Nigeria’s drive for self-sufficiency in petroleum products.
According to his presentation, the refinery was operating at a high rate, with steady petrol production, while domestic fuel demand had declined this year due partly to higher prices.
The presentation also noted that increased refining activities in Nigeria and Ghana were changing petroleum product trade across West Africa, making fuel imports from Europe less commercially attractive.
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