'Apply for re-validation' DPR says invalid refinery licenses can be revived

The Department of Petroleum Resources has said companies whose refinery project licenses have become invalid can reapply for re-validation.

It had earlier been reported that 32 refinery project licenses issued to private investors in the country had become invalid in the past three years.

The DPR, in a statement on Tuesday by its Head of Public Affairs, Paul Osu, said, “We wish to clarify that DPR did not revoke any refinery license. Refinery license, like our other regulatory instruments, have validity periods for investors to attain certain milestones.

“This implies that after the validity period for the particular milestone, the license becomes inactive until the company reapplies for re-validation to migrate to another milestone. This does not in any way translate to revocation of license of the company.”

The agency said it would continue to provide support to investors in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria using its regulatory instruments of licenses, permits and approvals to stimulate the economy and align with governments job creation initiatives.