Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has unveiled plans for the expansion of the Edo Modular Refinery by an additional production capacity of 6,000 barrels per day.
The announcement came during the commissioning of the Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited, a project initiated in 2017 that has now reached fruition.
Expressing his excitement at the milestone, Governor Obaseki stated, “This project is not only completed, but we are looking at expanding by another 6,000 barrels per day.”
However, he highlighted the challenge of obtaining crude oil feedstock for the refinery, urging the Federal Government to align its efforts with the state’s commitment.
Governor Obaseki emphasized, “We have raised the money, given them the land, communities supported, now the project is ready, but no road to bring feedstock. We can’t get crude oil, which is required as feedstock into the project, meanwhile, we are a crude oil exporting country.”
Despite the hurdles, the Edo Modular Refinery, backed by the state, has a current capacity of 6,000 barrels per day, producing significant quantities of diesel, naphtha, and Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO).
Also, Governor Obaseki inaugurated a 3.65km road in Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, constructed by Saro Africa under the state’s tax credit scheme, marking a strategic move to finance infrastructure development.
As the Edo State governor advocates for federal support in facilitating crude oil supply to the refinery, the expansion initiative reflects the state’s commitment to enhancing its economic capabilities and contributing to Nigeria’s oil refining landscape.