The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have jointly raided an illegal refinery in Ogere-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State. The operation followed intelligence that exposed the facility, which occupies over three hectares of land and features underground tanks for heating and processing sludge oil. The refinery, described as technically sophisticated, was found to be operating without a permit from any regulatory authority.
During the inspection, NMDPRA officials sealed the facility, which was described as a complete illegality. Ogun State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Dr. Atilola Akinyemi, stated that the facility had no permit and its operations were unknown to the relevant authorities. He noted that the underground storage facility behind the site has an estimated capacity of more than 90,000 litres, with underground heating systems and locally fabricated tanks.
Akinyemi warned that the products recovered from the facility may appear to be diesel but cannot be classified as such until laboratory tests are conducted. He emphasized that if adulterated products find their way into the market, vehicles and engines would be exposed to serious risks. All products recovered have been confiscated by the Federal Government.
The EFCC, which led the operation, disclosed that the illegal refinery was discovered through whistleblowing. Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Bawa Usman Kaltungo, stated that the facility features all the processes through which sludge passes before being converted into what is commonly referred to as diesel. He noted that the Ogere axis has become a hub of illegal activities by foreign nationals.
Kaltungo revealed that 14 Chinese nationals were arrested a week earlier over illegal lithium processing in the same Ogere axis. He stated that some of the arrested individuals had passports with expired visas, while others did not have passports at all. Kaltungo vowed that the ultimate owners, based in China, will be brought back to Nigeria to answer for their activities.
Gbolahan Latona, Director, Department of Proceeds of Crime Management, EFCC, emphasized the need for Nigerians to be patriotic and work collectively for the development of the country. He condemned the activities of saboteurs like those operating the illegal refinery.
The joint operation by NMDPRA and EFCC is a significant step in the fight against illegal refining activities in Nigeria. The seizure of adulterated products and shutdown of the facility are expected to prevent serious risks to vehicles and engines. The EFCC's vow to bring the ultimate owners to justice is also seen as a major development in efforts to hold those responsible for such activities accountable.
Key points
- The NMDPRA and EFCC have shut down an illegal refinery in Ogun State, seizing adulterated products and vowing to bring those responsible to justice.
- The facility, described as technically sophisticated, was operating without a permit and posed serious risks to vehicles and engines.
- The EFCC has vowed to bring the ultimate owners, based in China, back to Nigeria to answer for their activities.
