*Project includes 2000bpd modular refinery, power plant, jetty
OpeOluwani Akintayo
Lagos — The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva on Saturday performed the groundbreaking ceremony of an Energy Infrastructure Park being developed by Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB at Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
The Minister also commissioned three corporate social responsibility, CSR projects executed by the Atlantic International Refinery for the people of the Okpoama Kingdom. The projects included the Okpoama Cottage Hospital, Iseleama Health Centre, and Okpoama Community Water Works.
Speaking at the event, the Minister hinted that one of the best strategies to curb restiveness in the Niger Delta region is to create jobs and opportunities for youths. He added that part of his mandate is to collaborate with players in the private sector to establish oil and gas facilities, including modular refineries, which would ensure value addition to the crude oil, products sufficiency, create jobs in-country and curb pipeline vandalism.
He charged the people of Okpoama Kingdom and other parts of the Niger Delta to create an investment-friendly environment that would attract other oil and gas and manufacturing facilities to the region.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote in his remarks listed the various elements of the Energy Park project to include a 2000 barrels per day modular refinery, power plant, and jetty. He added that the project will serve as catalysts for infrastructural development and spur of economic activities in Bayelsa State.
He explained that the Board decided to partner with Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Ltd to develop the Energy Park in line with its mandate of catalyzing oil and gas activities.
He confirmed that the Atlantic modular refinery is the fourth in the series of the Board’s partnerships to contribute to the implementation of the Modular Refinery aspect of the Federal Government’s Refining Roadmap.
The previous partnership included the Waltersmith 5000 barrels per day modular refinery at Ibigwe, Imo State, the 12,000 barrels per day Hydroskimming modular refinery being constructed by Azikel Petroleum Limited at Obunagha, Gbarain, Bayelsa State, and the 2,500bpd modular refinery being developed by Duport Midstream Company as part of its Energy Park in Egbokor, Edo State.
According to the Executive Secretary, “with the recent commissioning of the Waltersmith Refinery, we have proven that the concept is doable with the right dedication and partnership models. Our focus now is to ensure the completion of the remaining three modular refineries under construction”.
Acknowledging that the location of the Atlantic Modular refinery was challenging, the Executive Secretary said “we believe that with the capability of our partner, and especially the support of our stakeholders in the Community, the State, and the nation at large, we will come back next year to commission the project”.
Also speaking, Chairman/CEO of Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, Dr. Akintoye Akindele stated that the company is building the first integrated energy park, comprising a scalable and environmental friendly modular refinery, power generation and distribution plant and world-class jetty services in Brass, Bayelsa state.
He added that the park will not only transform the economic activity in Brass but will also act as a commercial hub for logistics in Niger Delta, unlocking significant developmental in Brass community and its environs.
He thanked His Royal Majesty, the Amanyanabo of Okpoama Kingdom, King Ebitimi E. Banigo, OFR for his royal blessings and hosting the project in his Kingdom. He also thanked the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, for their unwavering support towards the actualization of the project.
