Clarivo Oil and Gas Unveils Ambitious Refinery Project in Calabar to Boost Nigeria's Energy Independence
In a significant development for Nigeria's downstream petroleum sector, Clarivo Oil and Gas Ltd has announced plans to construct a world-class oil refinery in Calabar, Cross River State. This move introduces fresh competition for established players like Dangote Refinery and aims to deepen domestic refining capacity, reducing the country's heavy reliance on imported refined fuels.
Strategic Announcement and Project Details
Obidike Chukwuebuka, the company's CEO, revealed the ambitious project to journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. He emphasized that the proposed facility will be developed in multiple phases, incorporating state-of-the-art technologies to produce high-quality petroleum products that meet international specifications.
The refinery is expected to feature modern crude distillation units, catalytic cracking systems, and hydrotreating units. These advanced components will enable the production of essential fuels such as petrol (PMS), diesel (AGO), and aviation fuel (Jet A1), catering to both domestic and potential export markets.
Phased Development Approach and International Collaboration
Obidike outlined a meticulous phased development strategy, beginning with comprehensive feasibility studies and front-end engineering design. "Subsequent phases will involve the construction of core processing units, followed by the installation and commissioning of secondary units and systems," he explained.
This phased model is designed to manage investment risks effectively, ensure alignment with international operating standards, and attract strategic partners. The company is actively finalizing agreements with foreign technical partners and investors to provide the necessary expertise and financial backing.
Obidike stated: "Agreements with international stakeholders are being finalised to provide both the technical expertise and financial backing required to bring the refinery to fruition. These partnerships are expected to facilitate technology transfer and skills development for local engineers and technicians."
Economic and Social Impact
The refinery project is poised to deliver substantial economic benefits, particularly in terms of job creation. During construction and operations, it will generate employment opportunities across various sectors, including:
- Engineering and construction
- Technical operations and maintenance
- Logistics and supply chain management
This initiative is expected to provide a significant boost to local employment in Cross River State and surrounding regions, contributing to regional economic development.
Obidike highlighted the broader strategic importance of the project: "Clarivo's project is part of broader private sector initiatives to improve energy security, retain foreign exchange, and support industrial growth." By increasing domestic refining capacity, the refinery aims to address longstanding challenges in Nigeria's energy sector, where the country has historically depended on costly imported refined products despite being a major crude oil producer.
Timeline and Regulatory Considerations
The company projects that the refinery will become operational within approximately five years, subject to obtaining necessary regulatory approvals and the successful completion of all project phases. This timeline reflects the complexity of developing such a large-scale industrial facility while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards.
Context of Nigeria's Refining Landscape
This announcement comes at a time when Nigeria is actively working to enhance its refining capabilities. Recently, Dangote Group awarded a $350 million engineering contract to India's Engineers India Limited to expand its Lekki refinery, aiming to increase capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day. Once completed, this expansion would make it the world's largest single-site refinery complex.
The entry of Clarivo Oil and Gas into the refining sector signals growing private sector confidence in Nigeria's energy future. As multiple companies invest in refining infrastructure, the nation moves closer to achieving energy self-sufficiency, potentially stabilizing fuel prices and reducing foreign exchange expenditures on fuel imports.
The development of this world-class refinery in Calabar represents a strategic investment in Nigeria's economic future, promising to transform the local energy landscape while creating valuable opportunities for technological advancement and human capital development.
