OUR OPERATIONS
Project Status and Outlook
The development of the 100,000 barrels per day (BPD) ARPHL refinery is advancing steadily, supported by strong regulatory backing, technical readiness, and key strategic partnerships. The project site within the Port Harcourt Refinery Complex has been secured, and ARPHL has completed its Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and obtained the Authority to Construct (ATC) from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).
Following a strategic shift from a brownfield to a greenfield model, ARPHL has enhanced its execution framework by appointing Maire Tecnimont as its Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) partner. It has also signed vital agreements for offtake, crude supply, and infrastructure development.
Through its affiliated company ARPDS, ARPHL secured the Lot 1 pipeline and depot concession, giving the project critical control over crude and refined product logistics across key regions.
Site due diligence and gantry rehabilitation are underway, alongside active engagement with institutional investors and development finance partners to finalize project funding.
Looking ahead, ARPHL is positioned to become a major contributor to Nigeria’s refining capacity, helping reduce fuel imports, stimulate industrial growth, and create lasting economic value.
Our Partners
Project Timeline
Major Milestones Achieved
2016
ARPHL Incorporated & Wins NNPC Co-Location Bid
Established as a project SPV and selected by NNPC to co-locate a private refinery within the Port Harcourt Refinery Complex (PHRC).
2017
Land Secured in Port Harcourt Refinery
Signed MoU for 45 hectares of land within PHRC, laying the physical foundation for the refinery project.
2018
Approvals & Engineering Design Began
The company obtained relevant regulatory approvals and commenced Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and Detailed Engineering Design (DED).
2019
EPC Contractor Selection & Series Funding
ARPHL initiated a formal EPC contractor selection process and launched a series funding round to support early-stage development.
2021
Strategic Pivot to Greenfield Refinery
ARPHL made a strategic decision to pivot from a brownfield approach to a greenfield refinery model for greater scalability and long-term independence.
2022
Secured Lot 1 Pipeline & Depot Concession (via ARPDS)
Through its sister company ARPDS, ARPHL secured a winning bid for Lot 1 — a critical crude and product pipeline network spanning Bonny–PH–Aba–Enugu– Makurdi–Yola.
2023
Maire Tecnimont Appointed as EPC Contractor
ARPHL appointed global EPC giant Maire Tecnimont SpA, as the new Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) partner. Submitted funding request to DFIs and institutional investors to finance the refinery build.
2024
Official Award of Lot 1 Infrastructure Concession
The Nigerian government formally awarded ARPHL/ARPDS the Lot 1 infrastructure concession, giving the company end-to end pipeline and depot control, and completing the vertical integration of its refining logistics.
2025
Gantry Rehabilitation and Due Diligence Commenced
Rehabilitation activities began at the Port Harcourt Gantry, accompanied by on-site due diligence work. This milestone marked the transition from planning to physical implementation.
Looking Forward
Preparations for full-scale construction are nearing completion, with a strong emphasis on technical excellence, regulatory alignment, and long-term national benefit.