The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) stated that Nigeria will phase out fertilizer imports as growing private-sector investment boosts domestic production capacity and positions the country as a hub for value-added oil and gas products.
NMDPRA Chief Executive Saidu Mohammed revealed the development during a facility inspection at Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, on Monday.
He added that, with the anticipated production levels, Nigeria plans to commence urea exports by 2028 as part of its efforts to position the country as a leading hub for value-added oil and gas products.
The visit was part of Mohammed’s three-day inspection of various midstream and downstream oil and gas facilities across the state. He emphasized that Nigeria is actively aiming to become a regional center for value-added petroleum products, noting that while the midstream sector is central to the objective, it demands significant investment.
Mohammed mentioned that the continued importation of products like urea and fertilizers is no longer reasonable, considering the scale of current and planned investments in domestic production capacity.
He underscored that the midstream segment of the oil and gas industry is extensive and demands substantial investment.
“We need between $30 billion and $50 billion today if Nigeria is to be properly positioned as a hub, not only for oil and gas but also for secondary derivatives,” he said.
Mohammed further affirmed that ongoing expansion projects at facilities like Indorama and Dangote Fertilizer are set to substantially increase domestic production, and Nigeria is on track to become a urea-exporting nation within the next two years.
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