Nigeria Set To Begin Exportation Of Urea In 2028 — NMDPRA
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has disclosed that efforts are underway for Nigeria to begin the export of urea by 2028, as the country intensifies investments in fertilizer production and value-added gas products.
The Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Saidu Mohammed, made this known after touring facilities at Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Mohammed, who led a three-day inspection tour of selected midstream and downstream facilities in Rivers State, said Nigeria was positioning itself as a major hub for value-added oil and gas products, including fertilizers and petrochemical derivatives.
Midstream Investment Key To Export Drive
Describing the midstream segment as a critical link in Nigeria’s energy value chain, Mohammed said the sector requires massive investment to unlock its full economic potential.
“The midstream of the oil and gas business is really a tremendous segment that requires a lot of investment. We need between $30 billion and $50 billion today if we must get what we need to put Nigeria on the right footing as a hub, not only for oil and gas, but also for secondary derivatives,” he said.
He stressed that Nigeria has no reason to import value-added products such as fertilizers and urea, given the massive investments being made by private sector players.
“With the expansion of what is going on today at Indorama and many other places, including Dangote Fertilizers, I am sure that in the next 24 months, Nigeria will join the league of urea exporting countries, and that is where we should be,” Mohammed added.
Rivers Strategic To Nigeria’s Energy Industry
Mohammed explained that Rivers State was chosen as the starting point of the tour due to its strategic importance in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, housing major refineries, gas processing plants, fertilizer facilities, and manufacturing hubs.
“If we want to see anything in the gas process, manufacturing, or refining, Rivers State provides the perfect environment. That is why we selected a few facilities to have a clear overview of what is going on in the sector,” he said.
He assured industry players of the authority’s commitment to providing regulatory support, fostering investment-friendly policies, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable growth.
Indorama Lauds Regulatory Engagement
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited, Munish Jindal, described the visit as timely and important, noting that it offered regulators firsthand insight into the company’s operations, challenges, and achievements.
He acknowledged that Indorama had operated in Nigeria for over 20 years and praised regulatory improvements in understanding the unique operational demands of midstream manufacturing.
“We appreciate the authorities for the understanding they have developed over the years for the midstream industry. That understanding has evolved significantly, and we fully support the regulatory direction,” Jindal said.
He added that while some regulatory issues remained, Indorama had formally requested exemptions in areas not relevant to manufacturing operations, expressing confidence in continued dialogue.
The NMDPRA tour of midstream and downstream facilities in Rivers State is expected to conclude on Friday after further site visits.
