By Eshioromeh Sebastian
The Edo State Government has handed over land documents to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) for its proposed Oredo refinery and petrochemical company in the state, in a move aimed at deepening investment and boosting Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity.
Alhaji Mumuni Dagazau, Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPC Ltd., received the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) on behalf of the company during a courtesy visit to the Edo Government House in Benin City on Friday.
Speaking at the event, Dagazau commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his administration’s commitment to providing the land and necessary documentation for the project.
He said the proposed refinery aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, “particularly its focus on domestic energy security, reducing dependence on imported petroleum products and increasing local value addition.”
According to him, the project will strengthen Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity and create opportunities across the downstream petroleum value chain, adding that the refinery would generate employment, promote technology transfer, encourage local participation and support industrial development in Edo.
Dagazau assured the state government that NNPCL would work closely with it and other stakeholders to ensure the project’s successful completion.
He described the presentation of the certificate as “a demonstration of Okpebholo’s commitment to attracting productive investments to the state,” expressing confidence that the project would contribute to Edo’s economic growth and Nigeria’s energy security.
Receiving the delegation, Governor Okpebholo expressed delight at the visit and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting investments in the state.
The governor said the provision of land for the project was part of his administration’s efforts to attract investors, increase revenue and create employment opportunities, noting that the refinery would expand Edo’s commercial base and deliver economic benefits to residents.
Okpebholo assured NNPCL of the state government’s readiness to support the investment, adding that the project “would contribute significantly to Edo’s development.”
The event was witnessed by top government functionaries and NNPCL officials, including Ikedichi Dick-Nwoke, Chief Downstream Investment Officer; Mrs Adaobi Oniwinde, Senior Communications Advisor; and Valentine Marinho, Senior Business Analyst to the Executive Vice President, Downstream, among others.
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