Nigeria’s modular refining sector delivered modest but measurable diesel output in December 2025, according to data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Despite more than 30 licensed modular refineries nationwide, only three facilities, Waltersmith Modular Refinery, Edo Modular Refinery, and ARADEL, produced automotive gas oil (AGO) during the month. Together, the three plants supplied 0.392 million litres of AGO per day, accounting for 100 percent of modular refinery diesel output during the period.
1. Waltersmith Modular Refinery
Waltersmith Modular Refinery operates in Ibigwe, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. The facility has an installed capacity of 5,000 barrels per day, with Train 1 operational while Train 2 remained under pre-commissioning in December.
During the month, Waltersmith recorded an average capacity utilisation of 63.24 percent. The refinery supplied an average of 0.051 million litres of AGO per day.
However, operational activity remained limited. Waltersmith produced for only 13 days in December, as pre-commissioning work on Train 2 significantly constrained output. As a result, average production figures understated the plant’s nameplate potential.
2. Edo Modular Refinery (EMR)
Edo Modular Refinery is located in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. The plant has an installed capacity of 6,000 barrels per day.
In December 2025, EMR posted the highest average capacity utilisation among modular refineries at 85.43 percent, reflecting efficient and stable operations. The refinery supplied an average of 0.052 million litres of AGO per day.
Despite its strong utilisation rate, EMR’s small plant size limited its overall volume impact, keeping daily diesel output broadly in line with Waltersmith’s levels.
3. ARADEL Modular Refinery
ARADEL Modular Refinery, operated by Aradel Energy (formerly Niger Delta Petroleum Resources), is situated in Ogbele, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State. The refinery has the largest installed capacity among the three at 11,000 barrels per day.
The facility recorded an average capacity utilisation of 53.89 percent in December. Nevertheless, ARADEL emerged as the dominant diesel supplier in the modular segment, delivering an average of 0.289 million litres of AGO per day.
Notably, ARADEL accounted for over 70 percent of total modular-refinery diesel output during the month, highlighting its scale advantage even at moderate utilisation levels.
Outlook
The combined output of 0.392 million litres of AGO per day represents only about 2.4 percent of Nigeria’s estimated 16.4 million litres per day diesel consumption.
In effect, modular refineries remain:
- Operationally relevant
- Statistically visible
- Structurally incapable of stabilising diesel supply or prices
Without scale expansion, sustained utilisation, and broader commissioning of licensed plants, modular refineries will continue to play only a marginal role in Nigeria’s diesel market.