The Edo State Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) have agreed on a focused collaboration to build a 10 000 barrels-per-day condensate refinery in Edo State. The project is scheduled for completion within 24 to 36 months.
The refinery will be located across the Oredo and Orhionmwon Local Government Areas and is designed to expand local refining capability, raise fuel supply, and support industrial activity in the region.
Officials disclosed these plans in Benin City. Dr Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, confirmed details of the project in a statement.
The initiative is part of wider efforts to increase domestic refining. Nigeria has historically depended on imported refined products despite being one of Africa’s largest crude producers. Limited local refining capacity and underperforming state refineries have constrained domestic output.
Project proponents argue that the new condensate refinery will mitigate this reliance on imports, address supply shortfalls, and support economic growth through public-sector collaboration with subnational authorities.
Governor Okpebholo described the investment as a strategic advancement aligned with the national government’s economic agenda. He said the refinery will create jobs, reduce poverty, and strengthen Edo’s industrial foundation.
The governor stated: “We are delighted to welcome this major investment to Edo. My administration is committed to creating jobs and reducing poverty.”
He also emphasized firm political commitment to protecting investments and providing a stable business environment. “Our political will is fully behind this initiative. We are committed to protecting investments and ensuring Edo State remains safe for business.”
State officials pledged to supply land, Certificates of Occupancy, security, and other necessary support to ensure project success.
Once operational, the refinery is expected to produce roughly 20 truckloads of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 10 truckloads of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) daily for distribution within Edo and neighboring regions. This output aims to relieve pressure on regional fuel supply and reduce logistics challenges tied to long-distance distribution.
NNPC’s Chief Downstream Investment Officer said the project will position Edo as an emerging energy and industrial hub in the South-South region. He noted that the refinery will expand employment opportunities and strengthen investor confidence in local energy infrastructure.
Public and private stakeholders see this development as a test case for decentralised refining in Nigeria. The expansion of modular and condensate refineries across states is part of a broader policy trend where subnational governments partner with energy companies to boost capacity.
The planned refinery joins other emerging refining ventures in Edo State and across Nigeria aimed at reducing dependency on foreign refined fuel imports and stimulating local value chains.
This project marks a clear, measurable step toward enhancing Nigeria’s energy security and industrial potential. The stated timelines and support commitments from both NNPC and Edo State lend credibility to project delivery within the projected 36-month window.
