Lagos to host oil refiners’ confab
By Ambrose Nnaji The Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) has announced the third edition of the Nigeria Oil Refining Summit (NORS) 2026, scheduled for September in Lagos,
By Ambrose Nnaji
The Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) has announced the third edition of the Nigeria Oil Refining Summit (NORS) 2026, scheduled for September in Lagos, as momentum builds around the country’s push for refining independence.
Positioned as a leading industry platform, the summit will convene policymakers, regulators, refinery operators, investors, global traders, and technology providers to accelerate action on expanding refining capacity, strengthening downstream integration, and unlocking Nigeria’s ambition to become a regional energy hub.
Speaking ahead of the event, CORAN Chairman, Momoh Jimah Oyarekhua, underscored the urgency of coordinated execution across the value chain. He noted that collaboration, capital inflows, and large-scale project delivery would be critical to transforming Nigeria into a net exporter of refined petroleum products.
With the theme “Refining for Value: Linking Upstream Supply to Downstream Demand,” NORS 2026 will focus on bridging longstanding gaps between crude production and domestic refining, a challenge that has historically constrained the sector.
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Nigeria’s refining landscape is undergoing a structural shift, driven by large-scale projects such as the Dangote Refinery and the rapid emergence of modular and indigenous refining assets. Together, these developments signal a decisive move away from decades-long reliance on imported fuel toward domestic value creation and export competitiveness.
Against this backdrop, discussions at the summit will centre on securing sustainable crude feedstock supply, improving refining efficiency, strengthening midstream logistics, and catalysing investment across the ecosystem.
The two-day programme will combine policy dialogues, investment forums, and technical sessions. Day one will address regulatory direction, crude supply dynamics, and global market trends, while day two will focus on financing models, infrastructure scale-up, and export strategies.
Participants will also gain practical insights through a guided refinery tour, offering a first-hand look at operational advancements shaping Nigeria’s refining future.
According to Kunle Odusola-Stevenson, Chief Strategist at Legend and Legacy Group, the event producers, the 2026 edition is designed to drive tangible outcomes by connecting stakeholders to actionable investment and partnership opportunities.
Beyond a conference, NORS 2026 is shaping up as a critical convergence point for decision-makers seeking to redefine Nigeria’s downstream sector and position the country at the centre of Africa’s evolving energy market.
