NNPCL Receives Certificate of Occupancy for Edo Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) has received a Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) for its proposed Oredo refinery and petrochemical company Ltd in Edo State. Alhaji Mumuni Dagazau, Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPC Ltd., received the certificate on behalf of the company during a courtesy visit to the Edo Government House in Benin City on Friday, November 13, 2026.

The proposed refinery aligns with the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on domestic energy security, reducing dependence on imported petroleum products, and increasing local value addition. According to Dagazau, the project will strengthen Nigeria's domestic refining capacity and create opportunities across the downstream petroleum value chain. This development is expected to boost the nation's energy security and promote economic growth.

The refinery project is expected to generate employment, promote technology transfer, encourage local participation, and support industrial development in Edo. Dagazau assured the state government that NNPCL would work closely with it and other stakeholders to provide the necessary support to ensure the project's successful completion. This collaboration aims to ensure that the project contributes significantly to Edo's development and Nigeria's energy security.

Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, expressed delight at the NNPC delegation's visit and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting investments in the state. He said the provision of land for the project was part of his administration's efforts to attract investors, increase revenue, and create employment opportunities. The governor emphasized that the refinery would expand Edo's commercial base and deliver economic benefits to residents.

Okpebholo described the presentation of the certificate as a demonstration of his commitment to attracting productive investments to the state. He expressed confidence that the project would contribute to Edo's economic growth and Nigeria's energy security, while demonstrating the benefits of collaboration between government and investors. This partnership is expected to have a positive impact on the state's economy and the nation's energy sector.

The event was witnessed by top government functionaries and members of the NNPCL, including Ikedichi Dick-Nwoke, Chief Downstream Investment Officer, Mrs. Adaobi Oniwinde, Senior Communications Advisor, and Valentine Marinho, Senior Business Analyst to Executive Vice President, Downstream. The presence of these officials underscores the importance of the project and the commitment of both the state government and NNPCL to its success.

The receipt of the Certificate of Occupancy marks a significant milestone in the development of the Oredo refinery and petrochemical company Ltd. With the state's support and NNPCL's commitment to the project, the refinery is expected to become a major contributor to Edo's economic growth and Nigeria's energy security. The project's success will depend on the continued collaboration between the state government, NNPCL, and other stakeholders.

Key points

• The proposed refinery will strengthen Nigeria's domestic refining capacity and create opportunities across the downstream petroleum value chain.