The Edo Modular Refinery has applied to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation for the supply of crude for use in phase one development of the facility.
A statement by its Chairman, Michael Osime, revealed that the refinery had reached an advanced stage of development where the operators have to introduce hydrocarbons to the facility.
Osime stated that discussions were also ongoing with marginal field owners for crude supply as the refinery was designed to use various grades of crude.
He noted that while the Operation and Management of the facility were being carried out by Peiyang Chemical and Equipment Company of China, there were plans to train Nigerians over a short period to take over the operations of the facility.
The AIPCC Energy Limited, which is developing the refinery, is a joint venture between PCC and African Infrastructure Partners Limited.
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Osime said, “Following the gains in the first phase of the refinery, AIPCC Energy Limited has commenced plans to build 30,000 barrels per day refinery as an expansion.
“On expansion, the refinery would increase the refining capacity in Nigeria and meet 18 per cent of the local demand for diesel in Nigeria.”
The Edo Modular Refinery is an offshoot of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration’s drive to reset the state’s economy for industrial growth.