Managing Director of Bunorr Integrated Energy Limited, located in Omagwa, Rivers State, Mr. Modestus Ikechukwu Okeke, has urged the federal government to enact a national law prohibiting the indiscriminate disposal of used engine oil from vehicles, generators, and other machinery.
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Speaking on Tuesday during a facility tour and capacity-building programme for South-South media practitioners organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Okeke described used engine oil as a valuable raw material that can be re-refined into high-quality base oil and various by-products.
He noted that, in the absence of regulation, most of this resource was dumped into drains, soil and waterways, causing severe environmental pollution.
“If such a law is passed, it will compel individuals, mechanics and industries to deliver used oil only to licensed collectors and recycling companies, ending reckless disposal and turning what many regard as waste into a national resource,” he said.
The Managing Director explained that the lack of regulation has made it difficult for Bunorr to secure sufficient quantities of used oil, thereby limiting the company’s production capacity. Proper collection and recycling, he added, would ensure a steady raw material supply while drastically reducing environmental pollution caused by illegal dumping.
Mr. Okeke also appealed to the Rivers State Government to connect the Omagwa industrial cluster to the national grid, pointing out that the company has relied entirely on diesel generators for years, significantly increasing production costs and eroding profit margins. Reliable electricity, he said, would lower operating costs and enable Bunorr to produce more base oil and lubricants for the Nigerian market.
He announced that Bunorr is open to long-term partnerships with mechanic workshops, transport companies, industries and individuals who can supply used engine oil on a regular basis, stating that the company is ready to buy at competitive prices and provide collection logistics once steady volumes are assured.
The MD disclosed that Bunorr has achieved strong financial recovery after initial losses caused by commissioning challenges, with November 2025 closing with a significant surplus that confirms the plant’s commercial viability under steady operations.
He commended the NCDMB for its strategic support, which has enhanced the company’s credibility with financiers, vendors and technical partners, improved governance, safety standards and led to the adoption of modern automation systems including SCADA and digital monitoring.
Bunorr currently employs 37 Nigerians (16 technical and 21 support staff) and plans further expansion as production increases.
Mr. Okeke highlighted the broader benefits of the company’s operations: reducing pollution through responsible recycling, decreasing Nigeria’s reliance on imported base oil, strengthening local supply chains, developing young technical talent and fostering good community relations.
Looking ahead, Bunorr is preparing an ambitious 2026 roadmap that includes nationwide raw material sourcing, transition to full commercial production, improvement of base oil quality, enhanced automation and safety systems, stronger working capital and phased plant capacity expansion.
Representing Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager of Corporate Communications at NCDMB, Mr. Teddy Bai, Supervisor of Government Relations, commended Bunorr for producing Nigeria’s first wholly indigenous, efficient and high-grade base oil.
He described the company as a shining example of local content success in the downstream sector.
Mr Bai stated that Burnorr has distinguished itself as a competent, reliable and innovative firm among its peers in the industry. “NCDMB is proud of this milestone and will continue to provide the needed support for Burnorr’s continuous growth and development,” he added.
The NCDMB-sponsored tour allowed journalists to inspect the company’s ultra-modern recycling plant, laboratory and blending facilities, with participants praising Burnorr as a benchmark for environmental sustainability and circular economy in Nigeria.
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