The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Saidu Mohammed, joined by a senior team of officials, conducted an inspection tour of Aradel’s integrated Ogbele Facility in PML 14, Rivers State.
During the visit, which was his first official engagement in the Niger Delta since assumption of office, Engr. Mohammed inspected the Ogbele Facility with a focus on the 11kbbl/d refinery and the 100mmscf/d gas processing plant. Following an inspection of the facilities, he underscored the strategic role of the midstream sector in Nigeria’s economic transformation, stressing the need for increased refining and processing capacity led by domestic operators:
“The midstream is where Nigeria’s growth lies, we can propel national growth through the midstream, and we need more refineries and more Aradels. Our ambition is not just the Nigerian market, but the African continent and beyond. We must satisfy local demand through local operators.”
Engr. Mohammed further commended Aradel’s ongoing expansion in gas infrastructure, describing the Ogbele Facility as a model for private-sector investment in Nigeria’s energy value chain:
“We commend Aradel’s gas extension programme, it is in the right direction of where we want Nigeria to be. This is a world-class facility being operated in Nigeria, and I call on other Nigerian private sector companies to imitate and build on what they are doing.”
In his remarks, the MD/CEO of Aradel Holdings Plc, Adegbite Falade, expressed appreciation for the visit and highlighted the importance of strong regulatory collaboration in scaling operations and strengthening energy security:
“I would like to thank the Authority Chief Executive for visiting our facility, which serves as a strong encouragement to us as operators. At Aradel, we see significant demand and a clear market, and our focus remains on making the investments required to meet that demand. The continued support from our regulators has been critical in enabling our operations to scale, strengthening resilience and energy security for the nation.”
Mr Falade also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s energy security agenda:
“Aradel Holdings is firmly committed to Nigeria’s energy security agenda through increased refinery feedstock supply, nationwide product distribution, and increased gas commercialisation. By supplying gas to power industries, contributing to NLNG, and providing gas for local off-takers, we prioritise local consumption and the use of Nigeria’s resources to drive industrial growth, power generation, and manufacturing.”
The NMDPRA delegation included Engr. Francis Ogaree, Executive Director, George Ene-Ita, Director of Public Affairs, Brown Bennett – Chief of Operations, Port Harcourt; and Victor Ahwodiasa, Regional Coordinator, South-South. Aradel Holdings Plc was represented by Adegbite Falade, MD/CEO, Temitayo Ogunbanjo, General Manager – Refineries; Engr. Tonye Wokoma, Refinery Manager; Mojisola Iyamabo – Chief of Staff to Aradel’s MD/CEO, George Ipadeola, Technical Assistant to the MD/CEO; and members of the Aradel field staff team.
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