PTI to Launch Flexible Modular Refinery as Part of Drive for Local Oil and Gas Innovation

The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) has announced plans to introduce a more adaptable modular refinery aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s local refining capacity and boosting the country’s self reliance in oil and gas technology. The announcement was made by PTI Principal and CEO, Samuel Onoji, during a press conference in Abuja ahead of the 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST 2025), scheduled for October 22-23, 2025, at the PTDF Towers.

Onoji highlighted that PTI is collaborating with industry partners to develop homegrown technologies that enhance oil exploration, drilling, and refining in Nigeria, positioning the continent to better manage its hydrocarbon resources amid the global energy transition.

“PTI has been at the forefront of oil and gas training for 53 years. We have mastered oil exploration, drilling, production, and processing. Now, we are developing a more stable and flexible modular refinery to process crude oil into refined products efficiently,” Onoji said.

The institute also operates a fully functional drilling rig and Drill 6,000 simulation equipment, used to train experts in oil exploration and drilling technologies, ensuring that Nigeria develops local technical expertise across the sector.

Onoji stressed Africa’s vast energy endowment 125 billion barrels of crude oil and 600 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and urged countries on the continent not to abandon fossil fuels hastily. Instead, he called for investment in research, innovation, and cleaner production technologies to maximize Africa’s competitive advantage while adhering to environmental sustainability. Currently, only a few African nations have the capacity to fabricate essential oil and gas machinery. Developing local technology and expertise is critical to ensure we harness our resources efficiently and responsibly.

The ICHST 2025 conference, themed “Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon Sector: Balancing Growth, Environment and Governance,” will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, academia, and international development partners. Keynote speakers include the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil and Gas), chief executives of industry regulators, and top sector experts.

Technical discussions will cover exploration, decommissioning, AI and robotics in oil and gas, and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS). The conference will also provide opportunities for students and young researchers to showcase ideas and build competencies for the future workforce in the energy sector. Tina Isichei, PTI’s Director of Research and Development, emphasized that fossil fuels will remain integral to several industries, including pharmaceuticals, and that sustainable practices like carbon capture and renewable energy research are essential for balancing growth with environmental responsibility.

The event will open with registration on Tuesday, October 21, followed by official proceedings on October 22–23, 2025. Established by Act No. 37 of 1972, PTI has trained thousands of technicians, engineers, and researchers who now operate in local and international oil firms. The institute continues to pursue its vision of becoming Africa’s leading oil and gas technology hub through innovation, research, and strong industry collaboration.