Mathew Amaechi
Niger Delta, Nigeria – The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed deep frustration over the abandonment of a crucial refinery project in the Niger Delta, vowing to take immediate action to revive it.
During a recent inspection of the site, Lokpobiri condemned the state of neglect, highlighting the refinery’s potential to transform Nigeria’s energy sector and boost local economic growth. He described the project’s stagnation as a “monumental setback” to the country’s goal of self-sufficiency in petroleum refining.
“This refinery was meant to ease our dependence on imported petroleum products, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity in the region. Leaving it to rot is unacceptable,” Lokpobiri stated, adding that urgent steps would be taken to bring the project back on track.
The minister assured stakeholders that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to revitalizing Nigeria’s oil infrastructure. He revealed plans to engage relevant agencies, investors, and technical experts to fast-track the completion of the refinery.
The Niger Delta, a key oil-producing region, has long suffered from infrastructural decay despite its vast contribution to Nigeria’s revenue. Many industry players have called for greater accountability in oil and gas projects, emphasizing the need for a more efficient and transparent approach to development.
Lokpobiri’s renewed commitment to the refinery’s completion has sparked hope among local communities and industry stakeholders, who believe the project’s revival could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
With Nigeria’s ongoing push for energy security and economic diversification, all eyes will now be on the government’s next steps to ensure that this long-abandoned refinery finally comes to life.