Bayelsa Govt to build modular refineries in each senatorial zones

THE Bayelsa State Government has said it will build three modular refineries in each senatorial zones of the state.

Speaking at the Subsea Nations & Africa Oil/Gas Forum in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen Seriake Dickson said the move by the Federal Government to set up modular refineries in the Niger Delta region is a brilliant idea that will not only create more jobs but increase the economic fortunes of Nigeria.

He also applauded the Federal Government call on the International Oil Companies (IOCs) to relocate their operational offices to the Niger Delta, stressing that the move will ensure better relationship between the indigenous people and the IOCs.

He however assured that the modular refineries when fully on stream will also curb the illegal refining of petroleum products which has been on for years and reduce casualties associated with such risk.

He disclosed that because of the laudable initiative, his government has fully embraced it by setting up a company, Bayelsa Petrochemical and Refinery Company Limited, to partner with willing investors to ensure that the refineries are established and up and running.

Gov Dickson told his audience made up of key players in the global oil industry‎ that Bayelsa State, being the home of oil and gas in Nigeria, provides strategic investment opportunities as well as a conducive and secured environment to drive investment in that sector.

Dickson pointed out that the participation of his state in the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) is strategic as it affords it the opportunity to meet and leverage with prospective investors on various opportunities provided by his government.

Dickson who reiterated ‎that already Bayelsa State has in abundance feedstock (gas) to power the modular refineries said “It is interesting to note that we already have more than enough gas in abundance to deliver the three modular refineries so we are good to go.”

Emphasizing on the issue of security, the governor assured prospective investors that all investments would be fully secured and also allayed fears expressed on threats to destruction of pipelines.

“To a large extent, as a state government given our strategic and massive investment in security ‎over the last five years, we make bold to say that our state is one of the safest in the Niger Delta and Nigeria. So would-be investors have nothing to worry about,” he stated.

The governor used the occasion to announce that the Kolo Creek Gas plant which is the first independent power plant in the country has been running for years and again listed the opportunities available in the state to drive investments in modular refineries, power plants and allied petrochemical industries.