The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has called for an urgent scale-up in crude oil production to meet the country’s rising refining capacity and sustain export levels.
Speaking to energy editors at the just-concluded Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, PETAN Chairman, Mr. Wole Ogunsanya, stressed that Nigeria must ramp up production from its current 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) to at least 2.5–3 million bpd.
“We need to produce more to remain self-sufficient and globally competitive,” Ogunsanya said. “Our current and upcoming refineries will need over 1.2 million barrels per day. We must grow production sustainably to match this.”
He explained that the Dangote Refinery alone requires 650,000 bpd, the NNPC refineries 200,000 bpd, modular plants 50,000 bpd, and the soon-to-be-launched BUA Refinery will add a further 350,000 bpd demand by 2026.
To avoid undercutting crude exports while meeting local demand, Ogunsanya emphasized the need for strategic investment and policy support.
He pointed to critical infrastructure gaps hampering production growth: “There’s a shortage of rigs, equipment, and pipelines. But PETAN is taking steps to strengthen domestic capacity to meet these challenges.”
The PETAN chairman also hailed the recent approval of three Final Investment Decisions (FIDs), calling them “a game-changer for Nigerian oilfield service providers.”
“These FIDs will reduce idle equipment, generate jobs, and open up opportunities for PETAN members,” he noted. “We ask for no favours — only a fair chance to prove our capabilities.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s strong participation at OTC 2025, Ogunsanya praised the unified presence at the Nigerian Pavilion: “This year saw a more impactful showing, aligned with the Minister of Petroleum’s vision.”
The OTC 2025 hosted over 1,000 companies and featured nine executive dialogues, 53 technical sessions, and more than 360 presentations. Nigeria’s Pavilion, coordinated by PETAN, featured three technical sessions and drew over 70 participants.
Ogunsanya concluded, “Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is at a turning point. Collaboration and increased output are key to long-term success.”
