Top officials of the Federal Government, including members of the National Assembly, petroleum ministers, and the leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), have visited the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with key players in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The high-level visit, held on Monday, was led by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Upstream Petroleum, Senator Eteng Williams, alongside the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Also on the delegation were the Chairman of the NUPRC Board, Senator Magnus Abe, and senior officials of the Commission.
Dangote Refinery Showcases Expansion Plans
The delegation was received by Devakumar Edwin, Group Vice President for Oil, Gas and Fertiliser at Dangote Industries Limited, who took the visitors through the history and development of the refinery.
Edwin highlighted the facility’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s energy industry and outlined the company’s short- and long-term plans to further increase refining capacity and strengthen domestic fuel production.
The Dangote Refinery, regarded as the world’s largest single-train refinery, is expected to play a major role in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products while boosting local refining capacity.
FG Reaffirms Commitment to Local Refining
Speaking during the visit, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting investments that promote energy security and economic development.
He commended the Dangote Refinery for its contribution to job creation, industrial growth, and the expansion of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
According to the minister, the refinery represents a strategic national asset capable of enhancing fuel supply, reducing import dependence, and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global energy market.
Stakeholder Engagement Continues
The visit forms part of broader stakeholder engagements between the Federal Government, industry regulators, and private-sector operators aimed at addressing challenges in the oil and gas industry and supporting policies that encourage investment and sustainable growth.
Industry observers say closer collaboration between regulators and major investors such as Dangote Industries will be crucial in achieving Nigeria’s energy security goals and unlocking the full potential of the country’s petroleum sector.
Keywords: Dangote Refinery, Heineken Lokpobiri, Ekperikpe Ekpo, NUPRC, Dangote Industries, Lagos refinery, Nigeria oil and gas, Senate Committee on Upstream, energy security, refinery news Nigeria.
About the Author
