By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The official foundation laying ceremony for the establishment of a 5,000 barrel refinery located in Ikwe community, in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has kicked off.
Performing the ceremony, Governor Udom Emmanuel said the project is expected to boost the country’s economy as well as the state.
The Governor, represented at the event by Chairman of Foreign Direct Investment Committee, Mr Gabriel Ukpeh, further said the project would go a long way to boost the oil and gas industry in the country.
He expressed appreciation to the management of Ikwe-Onna Refinery Limited for keying into his vision to industrialize the state.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Ikwe-Onna Refinery Limited, Mr Daminabo Ogaji, said the project was designed as a model to encourage local refinery development and peaceful operation aimed at ensuring an end to the incessant short supply of petroleum products causing a huge drag on Nigerian Forex reserves.
