The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) has announced plans to introduce a more adaptable modular refinery as part of its drive to deepen local refining capacity and boost Nigeria’s self-reliance in oil and gas technology.
PTI’s Principal and CEO, Samuel Onoji, revealed the development on Monday at a press conference in Abuja, ahead of the 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST 2025) scheduled for October 22–23 at the PTDF Towers, Central Business District.
Onoji explained that the institute is partnering with industry stakeholders to develop homegrown technologies that can enhance oil exploration, drilling, and refining in Nigeria. He described the modular refinery as part of PTI’s broader strategy to bridge technological gaps and position Africa to manage its hydrocarbon resources sustainably amid the global energy transition.
“The Petroleum Training Institute is collaborating with several organizations, and we are working diligently to develop local technologies that will enhance crude oil production. Oil exploration itself is straightforward—we focus on exploration, drilling, production, and processing—and we have built significant expertise in these areas.
“We have been actively involved in the oil and gas sector for the past 53 years. During this time, we have developed local technologies to exploit our oil and gas resources. We are not waiting until 2060 to make progress. While 2060 may seem distant, it is also approaching rapidly, and we are preparing accordingly. For instance, alongside the modular refinery, we are developing a more stable and adaptable modular refinery capable of converting crude oil into refined products.
“In addition, in the field of drilling, the Petroleum Training Institute operates a fully functional drilling rig that we use to train experts and build capacity in oil and drilling technology. This is an ongoing effort, and we are actively advancing it,” Onoji said.
The institute currently operates a well-functioning drilling rig and advanced simulation equipment, including the Drill 6,000 system, to train experts in oil and drilling technology. According to Onoji, PTI aims to master the full spectrum of oil exploitation and refining technologies in the coming years.
Highlighting Africa’s resource potential, he noted the continent holds an estimated 125 billion barrels of crude oil and 600 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. He stressed that while cleaner energy adoption is important, Africa must continue investing in research, innovation, and cleaner production technologies to capitalize on its hydrocarbon advantage.
“With an estimated 125 billion barrels of crude oil and over 600 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves in Africa, we believe the continent should not rush to abandon fossil fuels. Instead, efforts should focus on advancing research and developing local technologies that enable the responsible exploitation and utilization of our oil and gas resources in a more environmentally sustainable manner, especially given that global demand for fossil fuels is expected to persist for the next 50 years.
“Currently, only a few African countries have managed to master critical aspects of oil production technology and manufacture essential industry machinery. This conference, therefore, aims to concentrate on research in these key areas to strengthen local content capacity in oil and gas technology,” he added.
On the PTI 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST 2025), which is set to hold from October 21–23, 2025, at the PTDF Towers in Abuja with the themed: “Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon Sector: Balancing Growth, Environment and Governance,” the PTI Principal and CEO Samuel Onoji said that the conference will convene a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, academics, and international development partners, to discuss strategies for sustainable growth in Africa’s oil and gas sector.
Keynote sessions will feature addresses from the Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil and Gas), chief executives of regulatory agencies, and leading industry experts. The conference will also present technical papers covering cutting-edge topics such as oil exploration, decommissioning, artificial intelligence, robotics, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
Onoji highlighted the conference’s role in fostering the next generation of energy professionals, providing a platform for students and young researchers to share ideas, acquire knowledge, and build competencies critical for the future of work in the oil and gas industry.
Established in 1972 under Act No. 37, PTI has served as Nigeria’s premier institution for manpower development in the petroleum sector, offering technical training, research, and consultancy services. Over its 53-year history, the institute has trained thousands of technicians, engineers, and researchers, many of whom now hold key positions in local and international oil firms.
Reaffirming PTI’s vision, Onoji said, “We aim to become Africa’s leading oil and gas technology institute through continuous innovation, research, and strong industry partnerships.”
Also speaking, PTI Director of Research and Development, Tina Isichei, challenged the notion that fossil fuels will be completely phased out by 2050 or 2060. She noted that fossil fuels are crucial feedstocks for multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, and emphasized the importance of reducing emissions and adopting sustainable practices.
“At PTI, we are exploring technologies such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage, as well as renewable energy research, to balance growth with environmental responsibility,” Isichei said.
The ICHST 2025 will commence with registration and accreditation on Tuesday, October 21, followed by the official opening on October 22, and conclude on October 23, 2025. First held in 2017, the conference has become a pivotal platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in Africa’s hydrocarbon sector, particularly as the continent navigates the dual challenges of energy security and environmental sustainability.