Tinubu Set to Commission $400m Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal in Rivers

President Bola Tinubu is expected to commission a new $400 million onshore crude oil export terminal in Rivers State, a landmark project that underscores Nigeria’s push to boost oil exports and strengthen its position in global energy markets. The terminal, described by industry experts as a game-changer for the country’s petroleum sector, is the first of its kind in decades and is projected to improve Nigeria’s crude evacuation capacity, reduce losses from vandalism, and attract fresh foreign investments into the oil and gas industry.

The facility, built with private sector investment and strong government backing, is strategically located in Rivers State, a hub of oil and gas activity in the Niger Delta. It is designed to handle significant volumes of crude, offering producers in the region an alternative to offshore terminals that are often disrupted by insecurity and technical bottlenecks. The project, according to officials, is expected to ease pressure on existing export channels, improve turnaround times for lifting crude, and enhance transparency in Nigeria’s oil export operations.

Presidency sources revealed that President Tinubu will personally inaugurate the terminal in the coming days, describing it as part of his administration’s broader commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s energy sector. The president has repeatedly emphasized the need to maximize the nation’s oil wealth while simultaneously advancing reforms to attract private capital into energy infrastructure. This project, valued at $400 million, is one of the most significant energy investments to come on stream since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Stakeholders in the oil and gas sector have hailed the development as a major milestone. Industry analysts point out that one of Nigeria’s long-standing challenges has been crude evacuation bottlenecks caused by pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and underinvestment in midstream and downstream infrastructure. By creating a new onshore terminal, producers will have more secure and efficient export routes, which could increase Nigeria’s crude production levels and reduce reliance on offshore facilities vulnerable to militant activities.

In his remarks ahead of the commissioning, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, noted that the project reflects Nigeria’s determination to expand its oil export infrastructure and create jobs for thousands of Nigerians. He stressed that the terminal will not only boost revenue generation but also send a strong signal to the global investment community that Nigeria remains open for business.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has also thrown its weight behind the project, highlighting its potential to complement existing export facilities and contribute to Nigeria’s efforts to meet its OPEC production quota. Company officials believe that the terminal will minimize losses associated with illegal bunkering and pipeline shutdowns, problems that have cost Nigeria billions of dollars in revenue over the years.

For local communities in Rivers State, the project carries hopes of socio-economic benefits. Construction and operations are expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while associated infrastructure such as access roads, housing, and support services could bring development to surrounding areas. However, civil society groups have called for transparency in the management of revenues from the terminal, insisting that host communities must benefit directly from the project in line with provisions of the PIA.

Energy experts argue that the commissioning of the new terminal comes at a crucial time for Nigeria. With global oil markets facing supply uncertainties due to geopolitical tensions, Nigeria has an opportunity to reposition itself as a reliable supplier. But achieving this will depend on the country’s ability to ramp up production, which has in recent years fallen below its OPEC allocation due to theft, sabotage, and aging infrastructure.

The terminal, with its advanced storage and loading facilities, could help Nigeria overcome some of these hurdles by providing a secure and efficient evacuation route. It is expected to support production from onshore and shallow-water fields, which have faced significant operational challenges. By streamlining logistics and reducing losses, the project could unlock billions of dollars in additional revenues for the government and oil producers.

Economists say the project also aligns with President Tinubu’s broader economic agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure investment, job creation, and fiscal sustainability. Oil remains Nigeria’s primary source of foreign exchange earnings and a major contributor to government revenue. Expanding the country’s export infrastructure is therefore seen as critical to stabilizing the naira, funding government programs, and creating fiscal space for economic diversification initiatives.

Ahead of the commissioning, expectations are high among stakeholders in the energy industry. Oil companies, traders, and shipping firms have welcomed the move, saying the terminal will enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in crude exports. At the same time, labour unions and advocacy groups are urging the government to ensure that the project does not compromise environmental standards or the rights of local communities.

As President Tinubu prepares to formally inaugurate the $400 million facility, the project is being widely viewed as both a symbolic and practical step toward repositioning Nigeria’s oil industry for growth. While challenges such as insecurity in the Niger Delta, global energy transition pressures, and the need for fiscal reforms remain, the terminal offers a fresh opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its oil sector and deliver tangible benefits to its people.

The commissioning will mark a significant achievement for the Tinubu administration, which has promised to prioritize energy infrastructure as a foundation for national economic revival. With this project, Nigeria is taking a step closer to securing its oil exports, restoring investor confidence, and reinforcing its place in the global oil market.