The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has encouraged operators of local refineries to secure steady crude supplies through long-term contracts with producers.
This step aims to increase the capacity of domestic refineries and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.
Dr. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC, made the call during a courtesy visit by members of the Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting focused on ways to strengthen local refining and ensure reliable feedstock.Dr. Eyesan urged CORAN members to consider bidding for oil blocks in the upcoming licensing rounds.
She described this as a lasting solution to crude supply problems.
“Encouraging indigenous refiners to own upstream assets will create stable and commercially viable supply arrangements while deepening local participation in the petroleum value chain,” she said.
She assured the refiners that Nigeria has enough crude resources to meet domestic needs and reaffirmed the commission’s support for policies that promote in-country value addition.
The NUPRC boss also advised refinery operators to enter long-term crude supply contracts. Such agreements, she noted, would guarantee feedstock availability, improve operational planning, and bring greater pricing stability.
However, Dr. Eyesan acknowledged that infrastructure challenges continue to hinder smooth crude delivery.
These include weak pipeline networks, evacuation issues, limited storage facilities, marine logistics problems, and other supply chain gaps that require urgent investment and joint efforts.
In response, CORAN members praised the commission’s regulatory reforms and its commitment to domestic refining.
They called for full implementation of frameworks that ensure consistent crude supply to local refineries.
Stakeholders have often stressed that better access to crude feedstock is key to cutting imports, enhancing energy security, saving foreign exchange, and generating employment through stronger local refining.
The engagement forms part of ongoing dialogue between regulators and private refinery owners to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
