Edo State may soon become a major supplier of refined petrol and petroleum products following the near completion of its modular refinery.
In preparation for the commencement of full operations at the refinery, the company has applied to the National Petroleum Corporation for the supply of crude for use in the phase one development of the facility.
Michael Osime, chairman of the company, said in a statement that the refinery had reached an advanced stage of development requiring the use of drocarbonsy.
In addition, Osime said discussions were also ongoing with marginal field owners for crude supply as the refinery was designed to use various grades of crude.
He disclosed that the company currently had noted Peiyang Chemical and Equipment Company of China in charge of its operations and management with 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.
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.
He said the refinery, upon expansion, 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.
