Delta Investment Summit Pays Off as MB Refinery Project Advances

The impact of the Delta Economic and Investment Summit is beginning to emerge, with the MB Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited in Ajagbodudu, Warri North Local Government Area, recording significant progress.

The development underscores the Delta State Government’s efforts to attract strategic private-sector investments capable of expanding the state’s industrial base, creating jobs and driving sustainable economic growth.

The Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Peter Uviejitobor, stated this during an inspection of the refinery site following a presentation by the company’s management to the state government.

Uviejitobor said the project would deepen private-sector participation in the oil and gas sector, expand local refining capacity and create employment opportunities.

He noted that work had progressed on the basement and foundation, with designated areas also provided for the installation of petroleum product storage tanks.

The Commissioner said the refinery’s riverbank location would facilitate the movement of equipment, export of refined products and future expansion into petrochemical production.

According to him, the project has the potential to become a major industrial hub capable of competing with some of Nigeria’s leading refineries.

He called on investors and strategic partners to support the project through collaboration, public-private partnerships and other viable financing arrangements.

Uviejitobor disclosed that the refinery is expected to commence production within 18 months, adding that its planned petrochemical component could attract more industries, create jobs and stimulate economic activities in surrounding communities.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MB Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited and Bob and Sil Global Services Limited, Akuyoma Bobson, said the project is designed as a 30,000-barrels-per-day modular refinery to be developed in three phases.

He explained that the first phase will produce 5,000 barrels per day of Naphtha, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO/Diesel), Fuel Oil and Jet Fuel. The second phase will increase capacity to 15,000 barrels per day, while the third phase will take production to 30,000 barrels per day and introduce processes for converting Naphtha into Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

Bobson added that the facility would use Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for power generation to reduce operating costs and improve efficiency.

He said the project is expected to create between 150 and 200 direct local jobs when fully operational, alongside wider opportunities for businesses and service providers in the area.

The refinery management thanked the Delta State Government and the host community for their support, saying the cooperation would contribute to the successful completion and operation of the project.