….… awaits NMDPRA License to Operate for Phase 2, plans gas-powered free trade zone
Oredola Adeola
Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited has expanded its refining capacity from 5,000 to 10,000 barrels per day, broadening its product slate to include Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK), in a move that positions the company as a key contributor to Nigeria’s domestic refining ambitions.
This was disclosed during a recent official inspection visit by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to the company’s Phase 2 facility at Ibigwe, Imo State.
The delegation, led by Engr. Saidu Mohammed, NMDPRA’s Authority Chief Executive, alongside representatives of the NCDMB, assessed the operational readiness of the upgraded facility.
The Phase 2 expansion effectively doubles Waltersmith’s refining capacity marking a major milestone Nigeria’s drive for energy self-sufficiency.
“What WalterSmith has accomplished is no small feat. This is a powerful demonstration that Nigerians have both the capability and responsibility to take charge of the midstream sector which is the true engine room of our economy,” Engr. Saidu Mohammed, Authority Chief Executive, NMDPRA, said.
Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, Chairman of Waltersmith, emphasized that the expansion reflects both technical discipline and alignment with national energy policy objectives while maintaining strict adherence to regulatory standards, particularly those set by the NMDPRA.
“We are moving Nigeria beyond an extractive oil economy to one focused on value creation. By refining locally, integrating upstream resources, and building an industrial hub, we are laying a sustainable foundation for long-term economic growth,” Mr. Isa said.
“These additions are expected to improve supply reliability for Nigeria’s transportation and aviation sectors, while reinforcing the broader goal of transitioning from a crude-export-dependent economy to one focused on value addition.
“Regulatory approval is nearing completion, with the visit serving as a final assessment ahead of the issuance of a Licence to Operate (LTO) for full commercial operations of Phase 2.
“As we enter this next phase, our continued collaboration with the Authority is critical. We are not just building a refinery; we are building a self-sustaining industrial city that contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s energy security and regional economic development,” Isa revealed.
The NMDPRA highlighted the company’s compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and praised its operational standards.
A defining feature of the Waltersmith project is its partnership with the NCDMB, which holds a 30% equity stake.
“Our partnership with WalterSmith underscores the power of collaboration in driving local content development.
“This investment has not only catalyzed a scalable refining operation but has also created substantial jobs for Nigerians and strengthened our collective capacity to reduce dependence on imports while improving national living standards,” Barrister Naboth Onyesoh, representative of the NCDMB Executive Secretary, said.
The project also reflects strong financial backing, combining private investment with institutional funding from the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the Bank of Industry (BoI).
This blended financing approach highlights the viability of public-private partnerships in advancing large-scale energy infrastructure.
Looking forward, Waltersmith plans to expand beyond refining through the development of the Waltersmith Industrial and Innovation Park, a Free Trade Zone anchored by gas-to-power infrastructure.
The initiative aims to attract petrochemical and manufacturing companies, supporting Nigeria’s “Decade of Gas” strategy and fostering long-term industrial growth.
The visit concluded with a detailed inspection of the facility’s control systems and processing units, confirming the readiness of the Ibigwe complex to play a significant role in Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.
