FG to revamp Warri Refinery, redouble crude oil production

By AUSTIN OGWUDA

The Group Executive Director, Refinery and Petro-Chemical of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Tony Ogbuigwe said yesterday in Asaba that NNPC was ready to strengthen and carry out aggressive maintenance of Warri refinery in its effort to double production of crude oil in the country.

Ogbuigwe who was on a courtesy visit to the Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan also disclosed that his organization was ready to stimulate local capacity and generate 120,000, noting that NNPC has a master-plan to establish a Petro-chemical industry in Koko as well as develop the Koko port to decongest the Lagos ports.

Warri Refinery

He therefore appealed to the State government to partner with the Corporation in achieving its set goals.

Responding, Governor Uduaghan said “we are building a State that would look beyond oil for sustenance and since investment in the gas sector was viable, we shall partner with NNPC to ensure the successful take-off of the Gas, Petrochemical and Fertilizer plants in our State”.

The governor however enjoined NNPC to work closely with oil producing states in order to eliminate unnecessary frictions.

“Always liaise with the state government when involving groups and communities in the production activities of your organization so that we can guide you properly to avoid conflicts and disruptions”, governor Uduaghan advised.

In a related development, Governor  Uduaghan, had  while receiving the  General Officer Commanding 2nd Division, GOC, Major-General M. Abubakar on Tuesday on a courtesy visit also commended the Army for assisting in crime control.

According to him, “I want to commend the Nigeria Army for its contribution towards the reduction of crime in the state. For now, there is great reduction in piracy, kidnapping, illegal oil bunkering, armed robbery, among others. I attribute this to the army and other security operatives in the State”.