NUPRC urges local refiners to acquire oil blocs to secure crude supply

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has advised indigenous refinery operators to consider acquiring oil blocks as a long-term solution to persistent crude supply challenges.

The Commission Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, made the recommendation during a meeting with members of the Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement by CORAN spokesperson, Eche Idoko, Eyesan said participation in upstream asset ownership would enable refiners to secure more reliable and commercially viable crude supply while strengthening local participation across the oil and gas value chain.

She noted that Nigeria has sufficient crude resources to meet domestic refining needs and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to policies that encourage local value addition.

The NUPRC boss also urged refiners to adopt long-term supply contracts with crude producers to ensure steady feedstock availability, improve planning, and stabilise pricing.

However, she identified infrastructure deficits as a major constraint to efficient crude delivery, citing challenges such as inadequate pipeline networks, evacuation bottlenecks, limited storage capacity, and marine logistics issues.

Members of CORAN commended ongoing regulatory reforms and called for effective implementation of policies that guarantee consistent crude supply to local refineries.

Industry stakeholders say improved access to crude is key to reducing Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports, boosting energy security, conserving foreign exchange, and supporting job creation through expanded local refining capacity.