NMDPRA and EFCC Shut Down Illegal Chinese Refinery

On Wednesday, officials from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted a raid on an illegal refinery linked to Chinese nationals in Ogere-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun State. The facility, described as well-fenced and technically sophisticated, occupied over three hectares and contained underground tanks used for heating and processing sludge oil and suspected diesel.

Dr Atilola Akinyemi, the State Coordinator of NMDPRA, stated that the refinery was operating without any regulatory permits and was completely illegal. The EFCC's Zonal Director, Bawa Usman Kaltungo, noted that the facility had been operational for years and was part of a larger trend of illegal activities by foreign nationals in the area.

He mentioned the recent arrest of 14 Chinese nationals for illegal lithium processing. Mr. Gbolahan Latona from the EFCC emphasized the negative impact of such illegal operations on legitimate businesses like Dangote Refinery.