The Federal Government has pledged to revive the abandoned Atlantic Refinery project in Brass, Bayelsa State, as part of its commitment to developing key infrastructure in the oil and gas sector.
Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), made this announcement on Thursday during an inspection of Ewa-ama Road, which leads to the Brass Petroleum Products Terminal (BPPT).
Commitment to Project Completion
Expressing concern over the project’s abandonment, Lokpobiri assured stakeholders of the government’s determination to ensure its completion.
“I engaged with key stakeholders in the host community and expressed deep dismay over the abandonment of the Atlantic Refinery project in Brass Local Government Area.
The Federal Government remains committed to completing critical infrastructure projects that drive economic growth and improve livelihoods.”
He commended the people of Brass for their peaceful disposition despite the challenges posed by the refinery’s neglect and encouraged them to maintain stability to attract further investments.
Tinubu’s Administration Prioritizing Energy Development
Lokpobiri emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains focused on driving development and delivering key projects that benefit the Niger Delta region.
This announcement follows recent developments in Nigeria’s refining sector. On November 26, 2024, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited confirmed that the Port Harcourt Refinery had commenced crude oil processing. In December, Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC, also confirmed that the Warri Refinery had resumed production, though its rehabilitation is still ongoing.
With the planned revival of the Atlantic Refinery, the government aims to strengthen local refining capacity, reduce dependency on fuel imports, and boost economic opportunities in the oil-producing region.
