Stakeholders in Nigeria’s refining sector have raised concerns over the country’s current crude oil production levels, stating that they are insufficient to meet the growing demand for feedstock by local refineries. At the 3rd Nigeria Oil Refining Summit (NORS) 2026, industry experts highlighted the mismatch between upstream production and downstream refining capacity. The summit, themed “Refining For Value: Linking Upstream Supply To,” focused on improving the integration between oil extraction and refining processes.
Participants emphasized that without a significant increase in crude oil output, local refineries will struggle to operate efficiently. This could hinder the country’s ability to process more of its crude domestically, reducing reliance on imported refined products. The discussion also touched on the need for policy reforms and investment in infrastructure to support both production and refining activities.
The summit underscored the importance of aligning upstream and downstream sectors to enhance Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency. With growing domestic demand and the potential for increased refining capacity, stakeholders are calling for urgent government action to address the supply gap.
