Nigeria to Stop Petrol Importation by 2019

Nigeria would stop the importation of premium motor spirit (PMS) by 2019.

This was disclosed by the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Maikanti
Baru. has said plans are ongoing to stop The GMD, in a statement released by the NNPC Group General Manager, Ndu
Ughamadu, said the refineries in the country are being upgraded such that the daily consumption needs of Nigerians are met easily.

He said plans are already being put in place to achieve this.
According to the statement, Baru said all the nation’s three refineries are producing
petroleum products.

He said: “We load out at least 5 to 6 million litres of PMS daily and about that same quantity of AGO daily from the three refineries. That is part of what is making the
PMS market in Nigeria stable today. We believe that the set target of exiting PMS importation in 2019 is achievable”.

He cautioned patience as the rehabilitation of the current refineries and the construction of new ones to boost productivity would take time.

“Don’t forget also that for us to exit PMS importation in 2019, we have to also bring in new refineries that will co-locate with
existing ones together with the new ones that will be built. Then, we see ourselves as a net exporter of products. On this, I can tell
you that we are

“Then, we see ourselves as a net exporter of products. On this, I can tell you that we are on course,” he added.

The discussion happened on the sideline of the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC)
in Houston, United States. The NNPC GMDwas represented at the conference by Chief Operating Officer, Gas & Power, Engr. Saidu
Mohammed.