The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has commended the Azikiel Petroleum Refinery project in Bayelsa State, describing it as a landmark indigenous investment capable of strengthening Nigeria’s energy security and accelerating economic development.
Ogbuku spoke during an on-the-spot assessment of the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), a major component of the multibillion-dollar Azikiel Refinery project at Obunagha, Gbarain, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Tuesday.
He was led on the inspection by the President of Azikiel Group, Dr Eruani Azibapu Godbless, alongside the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe; former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan; and the Ebenanaowei of Ekpetiama, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo.
Ogbuku, who described the development as a proud moment for Bayelsa, said the project represented more than an industrial investment, stressing that it demonstrated what could be achieved when vision, enterprise and determination were combined.
According to him, the privately owned 25,000-barrel-per-day hydro-skimming modular refinery has the potential to transform the economic landscape of Bayelsa State while contributing significantly to Nigeria’s energy security and economic growth.
He said the refinery would add value to Nigeria’s crude oil resources, strengthen domestic refining capacity and reduce the country’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
The NDDC Managing Director noted that the project would also create significant employment opportunities, particularly for young people, and stimulate economic activities across several sectors.
The refinery is expected to produce Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK), Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and heavy oil.
Ogbuku described the Azikiel Petroleum Refinery as the first privately owned refinery in the Niger Delta, noting that its economic multiplier effect could extend beyond Bayelsa State to the wider Niger Delta and Nigeria.
He commended Dr Eruani Azibapu Godbless for committing substantial resources to the project and for demonstrating the capacity of indigenous entrepreneurs to unlock the economic potential of the region.
The NDDC boss particularly urged Bayelsa youths to view the refinery as more than an industrial facility, but as the foundation of a broader ecosystem of opportunities.
He identified engineering, logistics, hospitality, transportation, construction, technology, agriculture and other ancillary services as areas that could benefit from the expansion of industrial activities associated with the refinery.
Ogbuku also commended the Bayelsa state government for its confidence in the project and for creating an enabling environment for investment.
He said the growth of industrial activities in the state would increase the importance of critical infrastructure, including the Bayelsa airport, as contractors, investors, professionals and businesses develop greater interest in the state.
“For me, this is more than witnessing the construction of a refinery. It is witnessing the emergence of a new economic chapter for Bayelsa,” Ogbuku said.
He further expressed his commitment to supporting initiatives capable of advancing the development of Bayelsa State and creating a more prosperous future for its people.
Ogbuku also expressed special appreciation to Dame Patience Jonathan for what he described as her motherly encouragement and support.
He said Bayelsa possessed the resources, talent and potential required for sustainable development, adding that what was needed was the courage to invest, the vision to build and the determination to succeed.
