The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind the construction of a significant new modular refinery in Delta State, a strategic move set to bolster Nigeria's domestic refining capacity and enhance national energy security.
Minister Lokpobiri Hails Project as a Vote of Confidence
Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, recently conducted an inspection tour of the construction site in Koko. The refinery is being developed by the Nigerian-owned company, Ebenco Global Link Limited.
During the visit, the minister praised the initiative, describing it as a clear demonstration of growing investor confidence in Nigeria's local energy industry. He emphasized that the project aligns perfectly with the federal government's petroleum sector reforms under the Renewed Hope agenda.
Lokpobiri also highlighted a critical secondary benefit of the facility, noting its potential to help curb pipeline vandalism and illegal refining activities by providing legitimate and scalable alternatives within the petroleum value chain.
Phased Development and Local Economic Impact
Providing details on the project's rollout, Ebenezer Oluwagbemiga, the Chief Executive Officer of Ebenco Global Link Limited, stated that the 30,000-barrel-per-day plant will commence operations in phases.
The initial phase will see the refinery producing 5,000 barrels per day. Upon reaching full operational capacity, the project is expected to create numerous jobs, deepen local content participation, and significantly reduce the economic incentives for illegal bunkering in the region.
Expert Appraisal and National Significance
From an engineering standpoint, Peter Akindeju, the Management Consultant for Ebenco, described the refinery's batch-based production system as a major leap for indigenous engineering. He pointed out that this approach promises to shorten delivery cycles and enhance operational flexibility, reflecting a broader shift towards Nigerian-led development in the midstream and downstream sectors.
This sentiment was echoed by Omonigho Otanocha, an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE). He commended the refinery as a substantial step towards strengthening Nigeria's industrial independence, showcasing the growing capability of Nigerian companies to lead the development of crucial oil and gas infrastructure without heavy reliance on imported technologies.
The launch of this refinery in Delta State is part of a larger wave of private-sector driven refining projects, which collectively aim to support job creation, improve the availability of petroleum products within the country, reduce dependence on imports, and contribute to long-term energy security for Nigeria.
