The Petroleum Training Institute has announced plans to unveil a more adaptable modular refinery as part of efforts to deepen local refining capacity and boost Nigeria’s self-reliance in oil and gas technology.

The Principal and Chief Executive Officer of PTI, Samuel Onoji, disclosed this at a world press conference on Monday in Abuja ahead of the 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology scheduled for October 22–23, 2025, at the PTDF Towers, Central Business District.

Onoji revealed that the institute is working with industry partners to develop homegrown technologies capable of driving oil exploration, drilling, and refining in Nigeria.

Adding that the modular refinery project formed part of PTI’s broader drive to bridge technological gaps and position Africa to sustainably manage its abundant hydrocarbon resources amid the global energy transition.

He said, “The Petroleum Training Institute is in partnership with some other organisations, and we are also working very hard to develop local technology that will help us expand crude production, because the oil exploration is simple. We talk of oil exploration, we talk of drilling, we speak of production, and we talk of processing. We have mastered this area.

“We have been in the business of oil and gas for the past 53 years. And so local technologies have been developed to exploit this oil and gas. We are not waiting for 2060, which is still far away, but it’s also very, very close. So, we are working on that. Like the modular refinery, we are also developing a more stable and adaptable modular refinery that can help us process our crude oil into refined crude oil.

“We are doing that already. Secondly, in the area of drilling, the Petroleum Training Institute has a well-functioning drilling rig that we use to train experts and train people in oil and drilling technology. We are also doing that.

“And presently we have Drill 6,000, the kind of simulation equipment that we use to train people on how to carry out drilling operations. We are also doing that. So, we are ensuring that in the next couple of years from now, we will have mastered the technology of exploiting for oil, drilling for oil, processing the crude oil into refined crude oil, and so on.”

Onoji said Africa remains richly endowed with about 125 billion barrels of crude oil and 600 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, stressing that rather than phasing out fossil fuels in haste, the continent must invest in research, innovation, and cleaner production technologies.

According to him, the global shift toward cleaner energy sources should not translate to neglect of Africa’s comparative advantage in hydrocarbons.

The PTI chief warned that only a handful of African countries currently possess the capacity to fabricate key oil and gas machinery, a situation he said underscores the need for knowledge-driven local content development.

“With an estimated 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and over 600 TCF of natural gas reserves in Africa, it is our considered opinion that Africa should not hasten to abandon fossil fuel but should strive to deepen research and development of local technologies that enable the exploitation and utilisation of our oil and gas endowment in a more environmentally friendly manner, as the reality of global demand for fossil fuel is expected to linger for the next 50 years.

“Today, we are confronted with the stark reality that only a few African countries have been able to master certain aspects of oil production technology and fabricate key machinery for the industry. Thus, this conference intends to focus on research in these key areas to develop local content capacity in oil technology,” he added.

Speaking on the forthcoming ICHST 2025, Onoji said the biennial conference would bring together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, academia, and international development partners to discuss the theme:

“Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon Sector: Balancing Growth, Environment and Governance.”

The conference, he said, would feature keynote addresses from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil and Gas), chief executives of industry regulators, and other leading experts.

Technical papers would cover subjects such as exploration, decommissioning, artificial intelligence, robotics, and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage.

Onoji noted that the event would also nurture the next generation of energy professionals, providing a platform for students and young researchers to share ideas and build competencies for the future of work in the oil and gas industry.

Established by Act No. 37 of 1972 (as amended), PTI serves as Nigeria’s premier institution for manpower development in the petroleum sector. The institute provides technical and technological training, research, and consultancy services to support the petroleum and allied industries.

Over its 53-year history, PTI has trained thousands of technicians, engineers, and researchers who currently drive operations in both local and international oil firms.

Onoji reaffirmed PTI’s vision to become Africa’s leading oil and gas technology institute through innovation, research, and strong industry partnerships.

Also speaking, PTI’s Director of Research and Development, Tina Isichei, said the idea that fossil fuels would be completely phased out by 2050 or 2060 is unrealistic.

“Fossil fuels are not just about gasoline or diesel; they are essential feedstock for several industries, including pharmaceuticals. What we must do is reduce emissions and adopt sustainable practices,” she said.

“At PTI, we are exploring technologies like carbon capture, utilisation, and storage, as well as research into renewable energy, to balance growth with environmental responsibility.”

The event would kick off with registration and accreditation on Tuesday, October 21, followed by the official opening on Wednesday, October 22, and closing on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

The ICHST was first held in 2017 as part of PTI’s statutory responsibility to promote innovation and knowledge exchange in oil and gas technology. The 2025 edition marks its fourth instalment, coming at a time when Africa is under pressure to balance energy security with environmental sustainability. (PUNCH)