Nigeria is taking bold steps to establish itself as the central hub for refined petroleum products in West Africa. The Federal Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to achieving this goal, placing emphasis on local refining, efficient distribution, and regional trade integration.
Speaking at the West African Refined Fuel Market Conference held in Abuja, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, outlined the government’s strategic direction. The event, organised by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), brought together refiners, marketers, regulators, and regional stakeholders to explore how Nigeria can lead the charge in developing a unified West African fuel market.
In his keynote address, Senator Lokpobiri stated that Nigeria must do more than meet its domestic fuel demand. According to him, the country must now assume a leadership role by supplying refined petroleum products to other countries in the region. He noted that Nigeria’s refining capacity is growing, citing ongoing projects and recent investments as key drivers of this transformation.
He pointed to the Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries as strong indicators of progress. These facilities, once fully operational, are expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports and enable surplus production for export. Lokpobiri argued that this shift from import dependency to self-reliance would not only boost Nigeria’s economy but also position the country to serve as a reliable supplier to its neighbours.
The Minister also stressed the importance of supporting the entire value chain. According to him, refiners, marketers, and regulators must receive the backing needed to operate in a stable and predictable business environment. He said the government is committed to providing policy support, encouraging investment, and removing barriers that slow down operations.
To this end, he called for harmonised regulatory standards across West Africa. Lokpobiri noted that differing rules and fragmented policies have long hindered regional fuel trade. He urged governments, private sector players, and multilateral partners to cooperate on creating unified frameworks that enable easier movement of refined products across borders.
Nigeria, he said, has clear advantages it must use. With vast oil reserves, expanding refining infrastructure, and a strategic geographical position, Nigeria has what it takes to lead in regional trade. However, the Minister warned that potential means little without consistent action and partnership.
He concluded his speech with a call to action. He urged private investors, especially in refining and distribution, to align with the government’s vision. He encouraged them to scale up their efforts and invest confidently, knowing that policy direction and government support are firmly in place.
Participants at the conference responded positively to the Minister’s message. Industry players expressed optimism about the future, citing recent reforms in the downstream sector and growing investor interest. Many agreed that if Nigeria sustains its current momentum, it will soon take its place as the West African hub for refined petroleum trade.
With government resolve, industry collaboration, and targeted investment, Nigeria’s ambition is quickly becoming a regional imperative.
