6,000bpd Modular Refinery Near Completion, Says Edo State

The modular refinery currently being constructed in Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State has attained 95 percent mechanical completion.

The Edo State Government disclosed this on Thursday after federal government delegation visited the refinery.

In a statement titled ‘FG delegation inspects Edo Modular Refinery, certifies mechanical works 95 percent ready’, the state said the project when completed would attract more investment to the state and the nation as a whole.

Mr. Michael Osime, the Chairman, Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company, who was represented by the Company’s Global Advisor, Frans Ojielu, stated that the 6,000 barrels per day modular refinery was issued a license in December 2018 and approved for construction in March of the following year by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

Osime said “We have reached an advanced stage in the refinery development where we have to introduce hydrocarbon. We have applied to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to supply crude to the refinery on phase one. In addition, we have also commenced crude supply discussions with marginal field owners as the refinery is designed to use various grades of crude.

“The company is setting up a fabrication yard to boost local capacity to produce materials and provide a robust support for establishment of more modular refineries.”

Mr. Edobor Iyamu, a Senior Special Assistant on Niger Delta Affairs, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, commended the Edo State Government for ensuring that the project did not die at conceptualisation stage.

He said the project is in line with the new vision for the Niger Delta. He said the vision is to ensure that the people benefit maximally from the wealth in the region and to promote the establishment of modular refinery projects in the region.

“This is the result of the recommendations by the vice president of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osibanjo who In 2016, embarked on the tour of the region where he met with key stakeholders to deliberate on issues on improving the social economic wellbeing of the people of Niger Delta region, which is in line with the six-point agenda of Mr. President,” he added.