‘Rivers Refinery On Course’

The Rivers State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Hon. Okey Amadi says the state refinery project at Ikpokiri in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area is still on course.

He made the disclosure during a chat with newsmen at the weekend in Port Harcourt.

Hon. Amadi dismissed claims that the Rivers State Government has abandoned the project stating that the site has been surveyed and office space acquired at Trans Amadi, while government has begun the process of acquiring license for the commencement of operations.

He explained,’’ We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Omega Refinery Limited and have surveyed the land at Ikpokiri, so now the only thing is to get the license which we have paid fully for.’’

The commissioner revealed that once the license is obtained from the federal authorities, the project will commence in earnest, stating that the project is billed to cost about N2billion with the firm having majority shares of 80 per cent, while the Rivers State Government has 20 per cent with equity from land.

In addition to that, he stated that another firm, TSL Logistics has concluded plans to build a PG gas plant in the state, adding that currently talks have begun with communities in Okrika and Eleme regarding the site of the project.

Amadi expressed hope that when these projects are completed they would create employment, encourage industrialization and reduce frequent petroleum scarcity and strikes by workers,’’ as far as I am concerned Rivers State is overdue to have a refinery and the time has come when we should stop begging cap in hand for what God has given to us’’.

Meanwhile, the State Task Force on Petroleum Products has arrested about 22 persons linked with illegal bunkering, hoarding and diversion of petroleum products.

The figures were made public by the Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Hon. Okey Amadi.

Amadi said the ministry is also prosecuting about five cases in court, but said most times cases are settled out of court in order not stifle operations of marketers.

He dismissed claims that members of the taskforce connive with crude oil thieves and marketers to hoard products,’’ members of the task force are dedicated Rivers people who work round the clock to make sure our people have petroleum products without hitches.’’ he remarked.

Calling on the citizenry not to be anxious over recent fuel scarcity in the state, Hon. Amadi assured that the government was working assiduously to improve products availability in the next few days.

He also assured that logistics are being put in place to avert products scarcity as the Yuletide season approaches.