FG Lauds Ebenco Modular Refinery, Calls It a Major Tool Against Illegal Oil Refining

The Federal Government has praised the modular refinery project being developed by Ebenco Global Link Limited in Koko, Delta State, describing it as a transformative intervention in the fight against crude oil theft, illegal refining, and persistent supply shortages in the petroleum sector.

Ebenco is currently advancing its 30,000-barrel-per-day modular refinery, which the government says stands out as one of the most significant locally driven refining initiatives in recent years. The facility—planned as a fully indigenous, fabricated plant—is expected to strengthen domestic refining capacity, ease fuel scarcity, and bolster Nigeria’s energy security.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who inspected the site, said the project aligns with ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope agenda. He described the refinery’s progress as a clear sign of growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s indigenous energy infrastructure.

Lokpobiri noted that modular refineries equipped with strong governance frameworks and local fabrication capabilities offer a realistic approach to reducing pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering by providing regulated and scalable alternatives.

Ebenco’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ebenezer Oluwagbemiga, said the refinery will commence operations in phases—starting with 5,000 barrels per day before eventually hitting full capacity. He added that the project is poised to create jobs, boost local content, and help diminish the incentives that fuel illegal refining.

Management Consultant, Dr. Peter Akindeju, described the modular setup as a major innovation in homegrown engineering, enhancing production flexibility and reducing construction timelines. He urged the government to grant the refinery pioneer status given its national importance to refining capacity, employment generation, and energy stability.

Also speaking, Associate Professor at FUPRE, Dr. Omonigho, applauded the project as a landmark investment that signals Nigeria’s growing ability to build complex midstream and downstream assets, advancing industrial self-reliance.

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