Authorities Dismantle Sophisticated Illegal Refinery Linked to Foreign Nationals in Ogun State

A joint task force comprising the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sealed an illegal refinery in Ogere-Remo, Ogun State. The facility, which occupied over three hectares of land, was discovered following intelligence reports and whistleblowing activities.

Infrastructure and Operational Scale

During the inspection, officials revealed a sophisticated setup designed to process sludge oil into substances resembling Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel. Dr. Atilola Akinyemi, the Ogun State Coordinator for the NMDPRA, described the site as a “complete illegality” that lacked any regulatory permits. The site featured locally fabricated tanks, silos for separation, and an extensive underground storage system with a capacity exceeding 90,000 litres. The facility also utilized specialized heating systems and hydrants for cooling.

Authorities cautioned that while the final product might appear to be diesel to the untrained eye, its chemical composition remains unverified. Laboratory testing is required to determine the quality and safety of the substances produced at the site. Dr. Akinyemi warned that the distribution of such adulterated products poses significant risks to vehicle engines and mechanical equipment.

Links to Foreign Nationals

The operation is part of a broader crackdown on illicit activities in the Ogere-Remo axis. Bawa Usman Kaltungo, the EFCC Zonal Director for Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, noted that the area has become a hub for illegal operations involving foreign nationals. This discovery follows a separate incident one week prior, where 14 Chinese nationals were arrested for illegal lithium processing in the same region. According to Kaltungo, some of these individuals were found to be operating without valid passports or with expired visas.

Kaltungo stated that the investigation is ongoing and expressed a commitment to ensuring that the ultimate owners of the facility, who are reportedly based in China, are held accountable for their actions.

Regulatory and Legal Implications

Mr. Gbolahan Latona, Director of the Department of Proceeds of Crime Management at the EFCC, emphasized the economic impact of such operations. He highlighted that these activities undermine legitimate industry players and harm the national economy. Latona urged citizens to remain vigilant and report criminal activities to support national development.

The products recovered from the site have been confiscated by the Federal Government. The EFCC has confirmed that once the investigation is concluded and sufficient evidence is gathered, the suspects will be prosecuted. If convicted, the proceeds of these crimes are expected to be forfeited to the government for public use.

Conclusion

The closure of the Ogere-Remo facility marks a significant intervention by Nigerian regulatory and anti-corruption agencies. As investigations continue, the case highlights the challenges posed by unauthorized industrial operations and the ongoing efforts to regulate the nation’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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