Edo Refinery to Commence Operation in August

Posted By Godwin Onyemaechi

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki yesterday disclosed that the Edo Refinery & Petrochemicals would commence operation before the end of August.
Obaseki revealed this after inspecting the refinery located in Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State and developed by AIPCC.

Speaking with newsmen, Obaseki noted that work on the plant had moved to such a great speed in spite of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He explained that the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) had conducted its pre-inauguration assessment and certified the refinery okay.

He added that the plan was ongoing “to finalise the crude sales contract, which would be done in the next two weeks
“Three years ago, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed. You can see that MoU works. So far, I am very impressed that the plant has moved at such a speed.

“Despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the refinery is ready to receive crude oil, ready to process and to deliver refined products.

“They have done the pre-inauguration assessment with the DPR. They have certified the plant okay. What we have left now is the final crude sales contract because they have to get crude from Escravos.
“So, I hope before the end of August, they will start lifting products from the plant,” the governor said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director, Edo Refinery & Petrochemicals, Mr. Tim Tian acknowledged that the refinery would soon commence operation despite the challenges which slowed down work occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Tian, who is also Director, EPC Contractor Peiyang Chemical Equipment Corporation commended Obaseki and people of Ologbo community for creating the enabling environment for the final stage.
According to him, the final stage is the commencement of full operations in the refinery.

He said that, the refinery will be ready to refine crude oil into other products.

On his part, the Enogie (Duke) of Ologbo, HRH Owen Jason Akenzua commended Obaseki and the investors citing the industry in his domain, noting that it would improve the lives and well-being of his people when fully operational.