BUSINESS
Ebenco Refinery Gets NMDPRA Approval To Introduce Hydrocarbons, Advances To Commissioning
Ebenco Global Link Limited has received authorisation from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to introduce hydrocarbons into the Ebenco Refinery in Koko, Delta State, as the facility advances to commissioning stage.
The milestone marks a major transition for the 30,000 barrels-per-day modular refinery from pre-start-up preparations into hydrocarbon introduction, commissioning and performance-testing.
The authorisation follows the satisfactory outcome of a Pre-Start-Up Safety Audit (PSSA) conducted at the refinery from September 14 to 15, 2026.
In a letter dated October 12, 2026, the NMDPRA confirmed that following the satisfactory outcome of the PSSA, the Authority had authorised the introduction of hydrocarbons into the refinery, subject to conditions governing the commissioning and reliability-testing process.
Ebenco Refinery in Koko, Delta State
Under the approval, the Ebenco Refinery will now proceed with a 90-day reliability test, including a 72-hour non-stop performance test, under the monitoring of the Authority.
As commissioning activities progress, the NMDPRA pre-commissioning team will continue to provide regulatory guidance, while Ebenco is required to submit daily reports covering commissioning activities, operating performance and product quality.
The Authority also stipulated that prior approval must be obtained for product offtake during commissioning, while any shutdowns or safety incidents must be reported alongside their causes and corrective actions.
The latest NMDPRA authorisation represents another significant step in the development of the Ebenco Refinery and advances Ebenco’s broader objective of contributing to Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity through indigenous technology, local fabrication and locally driven energy infrastructure.
Earlier, in a significant boost to Nigeria’s petroleum sector, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), had conducted an official inspection of Ebenco’s ongoing modular refinery project in Koko on November 26, 2025.
Ebenco Refinery in Koko, Delta State
During the tour, Minister Lokpobiri expressed strong satisfaction with the progress, particularly noting the refinery’s fully indigenous design and fabrication, describing the initiative as a landmark achievement in local content development and a practical solution to pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering.
“Producing modular refineries locally is one of the solutions to pipeline vandalisation that is going on by those who want to do illegal refining. When Ebenco modular is completed, we want to see how this could be replicated in collaboration with stakeholders so that those who are breaking pipelines don’t need to break pipeline,” the Minister said.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting such projects, pledging to involve the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for further assessment and potential partnerships, noting that modular refineries, when executed with strong governance and local fabrication, provide a win-win scenario by creating sustainable employment, ensuring tax payments, and reducing incentives for illegal activities.
Dr. Ebenezer Oluwagbemiga, Chief Executive Officer of Ebenco Group, had outlined the company’s phased approach during the visit, explaining that operations would commence stage by stage, beginning with an initial capacity of 5,000 barrels per day before scaling up to full production.
“We are taking this stage by stage. For now, we are starting with 5,000 barrels steamed per day. Beyond refining petroleum products, the project is expected to catalyse jobs, deepen local content and materially reduce the incentives that drive illegal bunkering once full operations commence,” Oluwagbemiga said.
The Minister lauded Ebenco’s partnership with international entities to domesticate advanced technology while maintaining global standards.
The Ebenco project is expected to ease fuel supply shortages, stimulate employment in Delta State, and contribute to broader national goals of energy security and economic self-reliance.
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