The French company Axens, which makes systems to convert oil and biomass into cleaner fuels, has won a contract to supply the technology for a multi-billion dollar refinery and petrochemicals plant in Nigeria.

Despite being a major oil producer, Nigeria currently imports around 90% of its fuel.

The Nigerian conglomerate BUA Group is expecting its refinery in Akwa Ibom state to be ready in four years time.

One of Africa's richest men, Aliko Dangote, is building another larger refinery which is due to be operational next year.