The industrial landscape of Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta received a major boost as the multi-billion-dollar Azikel Refinery entered its final construction phase. This milestone was marked by the erection of the facility’s vital Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) at Obunagha, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, joined former President Olusegun Obasanjo to superintend the landmark event. The occasion carried profound historical significance, bringing back memories of eight years prior when Chief Obasanjo originally laid the groundbreaking stone for the ambitious hydrocarbon project.
A New Era of Industrialization
Governor Diri expressed deep enthusiasm over the steady progression of the mega-project, which is poised to transform the region from a raw crude exporter into a vibrant hub for domestic petroleum refining. He lauded the Group President of Azikel Group, Dr. Azibapu Godbless Eruani, for keeping true to the vision of building a world-class facility on native soil.
Emphasizing local empowerment, the governor noted that the resource-rich Niger Delta can no longer afford to play second fiddle in an industry driven by resources extracted from its land.
Obasanjo Advocates Enhanced Derivation
During the site tour, former President Obasanjo voiced strong support for the oil-producing communities of the Niger Delta, candidly noting that the region has historically received a disproportionately low share of its God-given wealth. Obasanjo advocated an upward review of the current 13 per cent oil derivation principle—which was implemented at the dawn of his administration in 1999—to ensure greater socio-economic equity.
Furthermore, the former Nigerian leader commended Dr. Eruani for his monumental investment and thanked various financial partners who have rallied to ensure the successful funding and execution of the refinery.
Government Backing and Final Phase Outlook
The installation of the Crude Distillation Unit—the core processing heart of the refinery responsible for separating crude oil into valuable fractions—signals the commencement of the final engineering phase, encompassing complex piping, instrumentation, safety alignment, and subsequent operational testing.
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Reiterating his administration’s commitment to industrial growth, Governor Diri pledged that the Bayelsa State government will continue to maintain a secure, business-friendly climate. He assured the Azikel Group management of the state’s unwavering support as the facility moves steadily toward full commercial production and active contributions to Nigeria’s energy security.
