NORS 2026: Stakeholders To Brainstorm On Nigeria’s Oil Refining Capacity Expansion
By Sunday Etuka
Stakeholders at the Nigeria Oil Refining Summit (NORS) 2026, would deepen conversations and actions around the nation’s refining capacity expansion, downstream integration, and the country’s ambition to emerge as Africa’s leading energy hub.
The Summit which is being orgainsed by the Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) is scheduled to take place on 28–29 September 2026 at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos.
Now in its third edition, the summit continues to solidify its position as Nigeria’s foremost platform for driving conversations and action around refining capacity expansion, downstream integration, and the country’s ambition to emerge as Africa’s leading energy hub.
“The future of Nigeria’s refining sector lies in collaboration, investment, and execution at scale. NORS 2026 provides the platform to consolidate these gains, attract critical partnerships, and position Nigeria as a net exporter of refined petroleum products,” said Momoh Jimah Oyarekhua, CORAN Chairman.
Framed under the theme “Refining for Value: Linking Upstream Supply to Downstream Demand,” the 2026 gathering is set to convene a powerful mix of policymakers, regulators, refinery operators, global commodity traders, investors, and technology providers. The focus will be on addressing one of the most pressing imperatives in Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape: achieving seamless coordination across the entire petroleum value chain, from crude production to refined product distribution.
Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its refining journey. The emergence of large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Dangote Refinery, alongside the rapid growth of modular and indigenous refineries, marks a decisive shift away from decades of dependence on imported petroleum products. This transformation signals a new era defined by self-sufficiency, increased domestic value retention, and the potential to compete in regional and global export markets.
Against this backdrop, the summit will explore critical industry priorities shaping the future of the sector, including strategies to secure sustainable crude feedstock supply, optimize refining capacity utilization, strengthen midstream infrastructure and logistics networks, and unlock investment opportunities across the refining ecosystem.
Through a blend of high-level keynote addresses, policy dialogues, investment forums, and technical sessions, participants will engage directly with leading institutions such as NNPC Limited, NMDPRA, NUPRC, as well as major global trading firms.
The summit is structured to deliver both strategic insight and practical engagement. The first day will focus on policy direction, crude supply security, and global market dynamics, setting the stage for deeper discussions. The second day will shift attention to financing mechanisms, infrastructure development, and export strategies necessary to sustain growth.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in an exclusive guided refinery facility visit, providing firsthand exposure to operational excellence within Nigeria’s rapidly advancing refining sector.
“Our focus this year is on outcomes. We want attendees to leave not just informed, but better positioned to act, partner, and invest within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving refining landscape,” said Kunle Odusola-Stevenson, Chief Strategist, Legend and Legacy Group, the NORS 2026 event producers.
NORS 2026 represents more than just an industry event; it is a critical convening point for stakeholders committed to shaping the future of Nigeria’s energy landscape and driving long-term value creation across the downstream sector. Organizations across the value chain are invited to engage as sponsors, partners, speakers, and exhibitors, positioning themselves at the heart of Nigeria’s refining transformation and the broader evolution of Africa’s energy market.
