— Institute to Showcase Homegrown Oil and Gas Technologies at ICHST 2025
The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, has announced plans to unveil a new, more adaptable modular refinery as part of its ongoing drive to enhance Nigeria’s local refining capacity and technological self-reliance in the oil and gas sector.
The Principal and Chief Executive Officer of PTI, Dr. Samuel Onoji, disclosed this on Monday during a world press conference in Abuja, ahead of the 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST 2025) scheduled to hold from October 22 to 23, 2025, at the PTDF Towers, Central Business District, Abuja.
Onoji revealed that the institute is collaborating with industry partners to develop homegrown technologies that can drive exploration, drilling, and refining operations in Nigeria, positioning the country—and indeed Africa—to sustainably harness its hydrocarbon resources amid the global energy transition.
“The Petroleum Training Institute is in partnership with several organizations, and we are developing local technologies that will help expand crude production and refining,” Onoji said. “We are working on a more stable and adaptable modular refinery that will help us process our crude oil locally. This is part of our effort to ensure Nigeria becomes self-reliant in petroleum processing and technology.”
According to him, PTI’s 53-year experience in oil and gas education and research has placed it at the forefront of developing indigenous solutions for the sector. The institute, he noted, operates a fully functional drilling rig and cutting-edge simulation equipment—known as Drill 6,000—to train industry experts in exploration and drilling operations.
Onoji emphasized that Africa remains richly endowed with about 125 billion barrels of crude oil and 600 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, insisting that the continent should not hastily abandon fossil fuels but rather invest in research, innovation, and cleaner technologies to ensure sustainable exploitation of its resources.
“With an estimated 125 billion barrels of crude oil and over 600 trillion cubic feet of gas, Africa should deepen research and development of local technologies to exploit and utilize these resources in an environmentally responsible way,” Onoji stated. “Only a few African countries can currently fabricate key oil and gas machinery, and this must change through knowledge-driven local content initiatives.”
He added that while the global demand for fossil fuels may gradually decline, the reality is that hydrocarbons will continue to play a critical role in the world’s energy mix for at least the next 50 years.
Conference to Focus on Balancing Growth, Environment, and Governance
Speaking further on the forthcoming ICHST 2025, Onoji said the conference— themed “Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon Sector: Balancing Growth, Environment and Governance”—would bring together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, academia, and international partners to deliberate on sustainable pathways for Africa’s energy development.
The event will feature keynote addresses from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil and Gas), heads of regulatory agencies, and leading global experts. Technical sessions will cover topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, carbon capture and storage, decommissioning, and new exploration technologies.
According to Onoji, the conference will also serve as a platform to nurture the next generation of energy professionals, enabling students and young researchers to exchange ideas and build the competencies required for the future of work in the oil and gas industry.
“Fossil Fuels Still Have a Future” — PTI Research Director
Also speaking, PTI’s Director of Research and Development, Dr. Tina Isichei, described predictions about the complete phase-out of fossil fuels by 2050 or 2060 as unrealistic.
“Fossil fuels are not just about gasoline or diesel; they are essential feedstock for several industries, including pharmaceuticals,” she explained. “What we must do is focus on emission reduction and sustainable practices. At PTI, we are researching technologies like carbon capture, utilization, and storage, alongside renewable energy integration.”
About PTI and the ICHST
Established by Act No. 37 of 1972 (as amended), PTI is Nigeria’s foremost institution for technical and technological manpower development in the petroleum sector. Over the past five decades, the institute has trained thousands of technicians, engineers, and researchers who now drive operations in both local and international oil companies.
The International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST) was first held in 2017 as part of PTI’s statutory mandate to promote research, innovation, and knowledge exchange in the petroleum industry. The 2025 edition—the fourth in the series—comes at a critical time when Africa is seeking to balance energy security with environmental sustainability.
Registration and accreditation for the event will begin on Tuesday, October 21, while the official opening and technical sessions will hold on October 22 and 23, respectively.
Onoji reaffirmed PTI’s commitment to becoming Africa’s leading oil and gas technology institute through continuous research, innovation, and strong partnerships with industry stakeholders.
