Nigeria’s midstream oil sector faces persistent issues with illegal refining and pipeline vandalism. The Federal Government is now exploring creative, locally driven solutions through modular refineries.

During an inspection tour of Ebenco Global Link Limited’s modular refinery in Koko, Delta State, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and NMDPRA Director of Liquid, Ngozi Nwankwo, praised the facility for its locally adapted global technology, including:

• Thermal desorption units
• Waste management and recycling systems
• Sludge treatment boilers
• Modular refinery design allowing shutdown when crude is unavailable

The Ebenco model demonstrates that:

• Illegal refiners can be transitioned into legitimate operations
• Crude can be supplied in Naira at prevailing exchange rates
• Operators can pay back credit facilities while creating jobs and paying taxes

Lokpobiri emphasized that the government’s support will include credit facilities and partnerships to replicate this modular refinery model nationwide, creating a win-win for both the government and former illegal refiners.

Ebenezer Oluwagbemiga Akin, CEO of Ebenco, noted that the plant is nearing completion of its 1,000 BSPD phase one, with the full license for 30,000 BSPD. The refinery produces diesel (AGO), kerosene, naphtha, and FPSO, using local engineering, environmental safeguards, and technology transfer in collaboration with Chinese partners.

The initiative is designed to:

• Reduce illegal refining and pipeline vandalism
• Boost local content and engineering capacity
• Decrease import dependence
• Promote safe, sustainable, and compliant refining operations

Both the government and Ebenco are optimistic that this model can be replicated nationwide, providing a structured and sustainable solution to Nigeria’s midstream sector challenges.