Nigeria’s newly operational modular refinery in the southeastern state of Imo has commenced production, churning out an impressive 600 million litres of petroleum products. Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, made this revelation during an insightful visit to the Waltersmith Refinery in Ibigwe, Imo state.
Accompanied by key figures including Simbi Wabote, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and Olasupo Olusi, the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BOI), the minister underscored the federal government’s commitment to supporting proven and functional modular refinery initiatives.
Addressing concerns around funding and feedstock access — primary obstacles for modular refineries — Lokpobiri assured that the government is actively addressing these challenges. The minister emphasized the government’s inclination to financially assist those contributing to the economic revitalization of the country.
“The shortest way to addressing our problem is the Modular refineries,” Lokpobiri stated, highlighting their critical role in ensuring a steady supply of refined petroleum products for Nigerian consumption.
The Waltersmith Modular Refinery drew particular attention during the minister’s visit due to its tangible success. In a demonstration of transparency, Lokpobiri mentioned the importance of physically witnessing a functional refinery. He expressed confidence in the refinery’s capabilities, commending the ongoing expansion efforts.
Simbi Wabote, echoing the minister’s sentiments, acknowledged the Waltersmith Modular Refinery as one of NCDMB’s successful initiatives. The refinery has reportedly produced approximately 600 million litres of diverse petroleum products, translating to around 20 trucks per day.
Wabote’s assessment reaffirms the refinery’s operational success and aligns with the modular refinery concept. Unlike traditional large refineries, modular refineries are characterized by their compact size, easy transportation, and flexibility in assembly. The Waltersmith Refinery’s ability to swiftly produce substantial quantities of refined products reflects the advantages of modular designs in regions with varying demands.
