The Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has announced plans for the country to start exporting Urea by 2028, with large-scale fertiliser exports expected soon after.

The NMDPRA Chief Executive, Saidu Mohammed, disclosed this during a visit to Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemicals Limited in Rivers State on Wednesday. The visit is part of a three-day tour of selected midstream and downstream oil and gas facilities in the state.

According to Mohammed, Nigeria aims to position itself as a key hub for value-added products in the oil and gas sector. He stressed that with the current investments in local production, the country should no longer import products like Urea and other fertilisers.

“The midstream segment of our oil and gas industry demands significant investment, estimated at $30 to $50 billion, to fully realize Nigeria’s potential as a hub for both energy and secondary oil and gas products. With expansions at Indorama and Dangote Fertilisers, we expect Nigeria to join the league of Urea-exporting countries within the next 24 months,” Mohammed said.

He also praised Indorama for its long-standing commitment to the sector, describing the company’s investments as crucial for national growth in value-added oil and gas products.

Munish Jindal, CEO of Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemicals, welcomed the regulator’s visit, noting that it provides an opportunity to better understand operational successes and challenges on the ground. Jindal also requested that certain regulatory requirements no longer relevant to midstream manufacturers be reconsidered to ease operations.

Rivers State was chosen for the tour due to its strategic importance, housing major refineries, processing plants, and manufacturing facilities. Mohammed indicated that the visit will continue until Friday, and additional tours to other companies may follow, as three days is insufficient to cover all facilities.