- By Elizabeth Nwafor, Yenagoa
The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri Ph.D, has expressed dissatisfaction over the abandonment of the Brass Modern Refinery project in Bayelsa State. The Minister made this known during an inspection visit to the site in Brass Local Government Area, where he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalizing critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
Accompanied by Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Senator Lokpobiri emphasized that the completion of ongoing projects in the region is a key mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He assured that the Government is determined to ensure the realization of these projects within the President’s first two years in office.
“It is unacceptable that such a strategic project has been left in this state for so long,” Senator Lokpobiri stated. “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.”
During his visit, the Minister engaged with representatives of the host community, acknowledging their peaceful disposition despite the challenges they have faced. He urged them to continue supporting the Federal Government’s efforts and assured them that their concerns had been noted.
“I sincerely commend the people of Brass for their patience and cooperation,” he said. “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, a community representative expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit, describing it as a significant step towards restoring 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.”
The Minister further urged the host community to sustain the peace, emphasizing that stability is essential for attracting further investment and development. He reiterated the government’s dedication to creating opportunities that would benefit the people of Brass and the broader Niger Delta region.
