Library / Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Operations Regulations 2025
Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Operations Regulations 2025

Page 32 of 82
B  2134
(b)  appointment of a qualified manager;
(c)  complete equipment reports on major equipment and critical systems;
(d)  evidence of availability of adequate commissioning and operating spare
parts, catalysts, chemicals, additives and other operating consumables;
(e)  as-built technical documentation and schematics for the entire
hydrocarbon refining or processing facility; and
(f )  approved operating manuals, maintenance manuals and equipment
mechanical catalogues.
56.  The Authority shall conduct commissioning inspection of the entire
hydrocarbon refining or processing facility, prior to commencement of operation.
57.—(1) A crude oil refinery, natural gas conditioning or refining plant or
petrochemical plant shall not be operated without a valid licence to operate granted
by the Authority.
(2)  The Authority shall upon evaluation of submissions, ascertainment
of plant reliability, operating envelope and payment of the stipulated fees and
charges —
(a)  make recommendations to the Minister for the grant of a licence to
operate a crude oil refinery; and
(b)  grant a licence to operate a natural gas conditioning plant, processing
facility or petrochemical plant.
58.—(1)  A licensee shall not modify the installations of a licensed
hydrocarbon refining, gas conditioning plant or gas processing facility except
with the prior written approval of the Authority and upon payment of the
prescribed fee.
(2)  A modification in subregulation (1) of this regulation shall include
change in capacity, product slate or any other major alteration to the facility
configuration to improve plant efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability.
59.  A hydrocarbon refining or processing facility shall have a maintenance
management system to be made accessible to the Authority on demand.
60.—(1)  A licensee shall ensure sustainable management of water resources
for hydrocarbon refining or processing facility operations by minimising the use
of water supply from boreholes, streams or other sources.
(2)  A water abstraction study shall be conducted for any abstraction of
water for hydrocarbon refining or processing facility operations, in a manner
prescribed by the Authority.
61.  The Authority shall determine crude oil requirement for refineries in Nigeria
and in determining the crude oil requirement, the Authority shall consider —
(a)  the installed capacity of each refinery;
(b)  capacity utilisation of each refinery in the past one year;
Facility
commissioning
Application
for licence to
operate a
crude oil
refinery, etc.
Modification
of existing
facilities
Maintenance
management
Sustainable
water
management
Crude oil
requirements
for refineries