Buhari approves 65 licences for private refineries

President Muhammadu Buhari has granted licences to 65 Nigerian companies to construct modular refineries. The companies were selected from about 285 applications that were screened for the purpose.

Modular refineries are mini-refineries with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 barrels per day, bpd, which can be assembled and separated easily for enhanced performance and efficiency.

The decision to award Licence to Establish, LTE, which was taken within 10 days of his assuming office in June, may not be unconnected with his desire to see the increase in domestic refining capacity to meet local demand, thereby reducing huge import bills for subsidy.