Lokpobiri Inspects Abandoned Brass Modern Refinery, Assures Speedy Completion
By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, dissatisfied with the abandoned state of the Brass Modern Refinery in Bayelsa State, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to completing the project.
Senator Lokpobiri gave the assurance during an inspection visit to the site in Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
Accompanied by Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Minister emphasized that the completion of ongoing projects in the Niger Delta region is a key mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He assured that the Government is determined to ensure the realization of these projects within the President’s first two years in office.
“It is unacceptable that such a strategic project has been left in this state for so long,” Senator Lokpobiri stated.
“The Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that critical oil and gas infrastructure, like the Brass Refinery, is completed to create jobs and drive economic growth in the region.”
The Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the Minister, Nneamaka Okafor, in a statement said during his visit, the Minister engaged with representatives of the host community, acknowledging their peaceful disposition despite the challenges they have faced.
He urged them to continue supporting the Federal Government’s efforts and assured them that their concerns had been noted. “I sincerely commend the people of Brass for their patience and cooperation,” he said.
“Your support is invaluable, and I assure you that we will work tirelessly to address these issues and bring this project to completion.”
In response, a community representative expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit, describing it as a significant step towards restoring confidence in the government’s commitment to the region.
“We appreciate Senator Lokpobiri’s visit and his assurance that this project will receive due attention,” the representative said.
“We are hopeful that his intervention will lead to tangible progress.”
The Minister further urged the host community to sustain the peace, emphasizing that stability is essential for attracting further investment and development.
He reiterated the government’s dedication to creating opportunities that would benefit the people of Brass and the broader Niger Delta region.
