LAGOS, Nigeria
Nigeria’s domestic petroleum refining industry is projected to receive a significant boost in 2027, with seven additional modular refineries expected to commence operations, adding a combined refining capacity of 83,000 barrels per day (bpd).
The projection was disclosed by George Maher-Bonnett of Argus Media during a presentation at the OTL Africa Downstream Conference held in Lagos.
Presenting the company’s African Energy Outlook, Maher-Bonnett highlighted the changing dynamics of Nigeria’s petroleum products market, particularly the growing contribution of local refineries to domestic fuel supply.
According to his presentation, Nigeria had four operational modular refineries as of September 2026, with a combined capacity of 32,000 barrels per day.
He projected that seven additional facilities would commence operations next year, significantly expanding the country’s modular refining capacity.
The presentation stated: “Seven new modular refineries to start next year,” with a combined capacity of 83,000 barrels per day.
If achieved, the projected additions would represent more than two and a half times the capacity of the four modular refineries operating in September.
Dangote Refinery Strengthens Domestic Supply
The anticipated expansion comes amid increasing domestic refining activities, particularly the growing contribution of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to Nigeria’s petroleum products market.
Maher-Bonnett noted that the 700,000-barrel-per-day facility was operating at a high rate, with steady petrol production.
He stated in the presentation: “Dangote’s 700,000 bpd Lekki refinery is running hard, gasoline output is steady.”
The development, according to the presentation, is improving Nigeria’s petroleum products self-sufficiency and reducing the attractiveness of importing certain refined products from Europe into West Africa.
However, the report also highlighted a decline in Nigerian fuel demand this year, attributing the development largely to higher petroleum product prices.
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