By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The 6,000 barrels per day modular refinery being built in Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State is almost completed.
On Thursday, a delegation of the federal government was at the site of the facility, which is 95 per cent (mechanical works) completed.
According to the Chairman of Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company, Mr Michael Osime, represented by the company’s Global Advisor, Mr Frans Ojielu, the company is being supported by Edo State Government with a N700 million project support fund.
He said the refinery also has a fabrication yard to boost local capacity to produce materials and provide robust support for the establishment of more modular refineries.
Mr Osime added that discussions were ongoing with the Ambrose Alli University to assist in training Nigerians for the oil and gas industries.
“In 2016, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, 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. This is one of the products of that tour,” he told the delegation.
Leader of the inspection team, Mr Edobor Iyamu, who is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, expressed confidence that when completed, the project will attract more investment in modular refineries in Nigeria, generate employment and reduce youth restiveness in the Niger Delta.
He commended the Edo State government for ensuring that the modular refinery comes on stream, stating that its establishment was in line with the new vision for the Niger Delta, ensuring that the people benefit maximally from the wealth in the region.
Mr Iyamu added that the project is aimed at promoting the establishment of modular refinery projects in the area to attract investment into the oil and gas sector.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Dipo Olowookere