- Waltersmith modular refinery, supported by NCDMB, produced and sold over 170 million litres of petroleum products in 2023
- NCDMB Executive Secretary announces the commencement of site works for the refinery’s expansion to a 10,000 bpd capacity
Engr. Simbi Wabote, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), highlighted the success of the Waltersmith modular refinery, emphasizing the positive impact of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (NOGIC) Act 2010.
Wabote revealed that in 2023 alone, the Waltersmith modular refinery, supported by the NCDMB, produced and sold over 170 million petroleum products. This significant achievement translates to approximately 3,000 trucks of petroleum products, reducing the need for forex to import such products.
Speaking at the 12th edition of the Practical Nigerian Content Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Wabote announced the commencement of site works to expand the refinery to a 10,000 barrels per day (bpd) capacity. This expansion aims to increase the production of petroleum products within Nigeria.
The forum, themed “Deepening Nigerian Content Amidst Divestments, Domestication & Decarbonisation,” brought stakeholders from the oil and gas industry together to discuss the progress of local content in the country.
Wabote shared insights into the NCDMB’s commercial ventures, highlighting their partnership with Waltersmith to establish a 5,000 bpd modular refinery in Ibigwe, Imo State. He expressed satisfaction with the refinery’s achievements and the ongoing efforts to expand its capacity.
Providing updates on other modular refineries, Wabote mentioned the Azikel Refinery’s progress and the Duport Refinery’s near-completion status in Edo State. He emphasized the commitment to bringing closure to partnerships in line with their investment policy.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Gas, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, commended the positive changes brought about by establishing the NCDMB in the oil and gas industry. Through the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Amb. Gabriel Aduda, Lokpobiri reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to fostering local content.