NNPCL gets C-of-O for Oredo refinery project

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has secured a Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) for its proposed Oredo refinery and petrochemical project in Edo State, in a move aimed at expanding Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity.

The certificate was presented to the company through its Executive Vice President, Downstream, Alhaji Mumuni Dagazau, during a visit to the Edo State Government House in Benin City on Friday.

Dagazau commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing the land and necessary documentation to facilitate the proposed project.

He said the refinery aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises energy security, reduced dependence on imported petroleum products and increased local value addition.

According to him, the project is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s refining capacity and create business opportunities across the downstream petroleum sector.

Dagazau added that the facility would generate employment, promote technology transfer, encourage local participation and support industrial growth in Edo State.

He pledged NNPCL’s collaboration with the state government and other stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the project.

The NNPCL executive also described the presentation of the C-of-O as evidence of Okpebholo’s commitment to attracting productive investments, expressing confidence that the refinery would contribute to Edo’s economic development and Nigeria’s energy security.

NNPCL loaned refineries N220.5bn for maintenance, tax obligations

In his response, Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to support investors, saying the allocation of land for the project was part of efforts to attract businesses, boost revenue and create jobs.

The governor said the proposed facility would expand commercial activities in the state and provide economic benefits for residents.

He assured the NNPCL delegation of the state government’s support for the investment, which he said would contribute significantly to Edo’s development.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele.

Those present at the event included NNPCL’s Chief Downstream Investment Officer, Ikedichi Dick Nwoke; Senior Communications Adviser, Adaobi Oniwinde; and Senior Business Analyst to the Executive Vice President, Downstream, Valentine Marinho.