The Minister of State Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has decried the abandonment of the Brass modern refinery in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
Lokpobiri, who was in Bayelsa State to ascertain the level of work done on the project, expressed disaffection with the state of the project.
He, however, reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to complete the project as part of its commitment to revitalizing critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
Accompanied by Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Senator Lokpobiri, at a town hall meeting with stakeholders, said he was not in Brass to witch-hunt the contractor or the consultant but was only interested in ensuring the project’s competition.
The completion of ongoing projects in the region is a key mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, he assured, adding that the government is determined to ensure the realization of these projects within the President’s first two years in office.
Lokpobiri commended the peaceful disposition of the people despite the challenges they have faced and urged them to continue supporting the federal government’s efforts and assured them that their concerns had been noted.
The Minister further urged the host community to sustain the peace, stressing that stability is essential for attracting further investment and development.
Reiterating the government’s dedication to creating opportunities that would benefit the people of Brass and the broader Niger Delta region, the oil minister of state said: “It is unacceptable that such a strategic project has been left in this state for so long.
“The Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that critical oil and gas infrastructure, like the Brass Refinery, is completed to create jobs and drive economic growth in the region.
“I sincerely commend the people of Brass for their patience and cooperation.
“Your support is invaluable, and I assure you that we will work tirelessly to address these issues and bring this project to completion.”
In response, secretary to the Amanayanbo -in-council, HRH Pregha Ebiye Golden expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit, describing it as a significant step towards restoring the people’s confidence in the government’s commitment to the region.
“We appreciate Senator Lokpobiri’s visit and his assurance that this project will receive due attention,” the representative said. “We are hopeful that his intervention will lead to tangible progress.”
