Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, has said that various investors had been approached to build a refinery in Akwa-Ibom State.
He made this disclosure on Wednesday, during a two-day PENGASSAN’s Triennial Retreat/Synergy workshop which opened in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.
According to the GMD, Akwa-Ibom State was well-positioned geographically to own a refinery.
Why Akwa-Ibom?
According to Baru, despite the fact that the preferred location of the investors was not Akwa Ibom State, he had convinced them to consider building the refinery in the state in order to leverage, especially on the state’s deep coastline.
He appealed to the Udom Emmanuel-led government to explore partnership opportunities provided by investors towards establishing the refinery in the state. He then called on industry players to brace up for change in the energy sector.
The NNPC Chief commended the Petroleum & Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, and the Nigerian Union of Petroleum & Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, for their role in ensuring harmony in the nation’s Oil and Gas Industry, which according to him, has helped stabilize petroleum products supply across the country.
“The investors have been coming to us and I have seen one that is quite promising. It is in this light that I encouraged these investors to come and see the state government and discuss,” Baru said.
“I would like to appreciate the support given to us by the two unions, PENGASSAN and NUPENG. You have over the years exhibited high level of maturity and partnership. This is evident in your pragmatic approach to issues, your support during difficult times as well as strategic engagement with industry stakeholders which has not only guaranteed industrial peace and harmony, but has also ensured the stable supply of petroleum products across the country,” he stated.
Baru assured that the NNPC would continue to accord priority to staff welfare and ensure that staff are trained to face the current realities of the industry.
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