Orient Refinery To Be Ready In 12 Months

The management of Orient Petroleum Resources Plc (OPR), has
said that its refinery, which would be sited at Nsugbe-Umuleri in Anambra,
would be completed in the next 12 months.

This is contained in a statement in Awka signed by the
Managing Director of the company, Mr Nnaemaka Nwakwa.

It stated that the company was going to further strengthen
the Nigerian oil sector and contribute positively to the nation’s economic
activities.

“The 3Dimension Seismic contractor is still working and  following the interpretation of the data, OPR
plans to drill some high capacity wells to guarantee the crude oil feed stock
for the Orient Refinery.

“The phase will facilitate the fast-tracking and early
completion of the refinery expected in the next 12 months.

“OPR’s refining activities will contribute significantly to
the supply of petroleum products for consumption in Nigeria, as well as export
abroad, thereby conserving foreign reserves and boost Gross Domestic Product.

“The company’s supply of natural gas from its OPL to the
nearby factories will trigger industrial growth and provide economic
empowerment for the people and create job opportunities for the teeming
unemployed youths in the country.”

The refinery, which got its Environmenntal Impact
Certificate (EIC) in 2005, would be fed from the two oil blocks, OPLs 915 and
916.

The oil field covers an approximate area of 2,158 square
kilometres, lying predominantly in Anambra but extending into Kogi, Edo,  Delta and Enugu states.

According to the statement, the company has been in constant
contact with the state governments and community leaders in its area of
operation, to ensure a harmonious relationship and eliminate negative social
and environmental impacts.

It said the exploration activities went beyond states and in
cases where hydrocarbon deposit was between state boundaries, it was the
function of the Federal Government to determine ownership and benefit among the
states.