Edo State Government is set to create about 400 direct and indirect skilled jobs per refinery during the construction phase of a planned condensate refinery, as the state continues to attract major investments under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The policy drive and commitment of the Okpebholo-led administration to a friendly, conducive, and secure environment for business have continued to attract investors who are confident of returns on investment. The determination of the government to grow the state’s economy is yielding gains across several sectors.
The latest investment interest comes from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, which has expressed its interest and commitment to partner with the Edo State Government to establish a refinery in the state. The proposed refinery will be located in Oredo and Orhionmwon Local Government Areas due to the availability of gas and crude resources.
The planned facility is a 10,000 barrels per day condensate refinery expected to produce about 20 truckloads of petrol and 10 truckloads of diesel daily, boosting the energy sector and benefiting residents through improved product supply.
When completed within an estimated 24 to 36 months, the refinery is expected to position Edo State as a major energy and industrial hub in the South-South region of Nigeria. The project aligns with Governor Okpebholo’s aspiration to industrialize the state and expand employment opportunities.
Governor Monday Okpebholo received the NNPC delegation during a courtesy visit to his office at the Government House in Benin City. The team was led by the Executive Vice President, Downstream Investment Services, Alhaji Mumuni Dagazau, and included Chief Downstream Investment Officer, Mr. Ikedichi Dick-Nwoke, Senior Business Analyst to the Executive Vice President, Mrs. Valentino, Mr. Ikhumetse, Mr. George Kalu, Mr. Omobayo Omotosho, and Mr. Seyi Orimoloye of NNPC Limited.
Addressing the governor, Alhaji Dagazau thanked him for receiving the team and assured the state government of NNPC’s commitment to partnering with Edo State to deliver the condensate refinery project. He described the refinery as a sustainable initiative focused on revenue generation, job creation, industrial growth, and development.
According to him, “I know the project is long awaited following our several meetings. We are working to ensure that it’s a long time sustainable project. The project we are looking at is not just in terms of revenue but the long-term values it will bring to the state, especially in the chain of the oil and gas industry.
“Our commitment is based on what you are doing in Edo State. We have confidence in your developmental stride and you are a counterpart on the path of progress,” he said.
Speaking on the project overview, Mr. Ikedichi Dick-Nwoke said the project had become more viable following additional internal work to re-validate its feasibility. He explained that the refinery would utilize an existing gas plant already owned by NNPC.
“On average, this refinery will give us an excess of 20 trucks of premium motor spirit and 10 trucks of automotive gas oil,” he said. “It’s a small refinery but it cides products into its immediate environment and assures more product security for the state.”
Dick-Nwoke said the refinery would position Edo State as a major energy and industrial hub in the South-South region while reinforcing investor confidence through collaboration between the state government and NNPC.
“We recognize Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership in fostering a conducive investment climate. We thank the governor for his administration’s consistent support to the NNPC,” he said.
He disclosed that Oredo and Oben are the benefiting areas where the refinery will be located and that about 400 direct and indirect skilled jobs per refinery will be created during the construction phase lasting between 24 and 36 months. He added that the Edo State Government’s proposed five percent participation under a Land-for-Equity arrangement has been accepted in principle.
According to him, the project will enhance domestic petroleum product supply and support increased Foreign Direct Investment inflows into Edo State. He said the key support required is the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, which is already at an advanced stage, and reaffirmed NNPC’s commitment to timely delivery.
Responding, Governor Okpebholo expressed readiness to collaborate fully with NNPC to ensure the refinery project becomes a reality, describing the investment as a reflection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are delighted to welcome this major investment to Edo State. My administration is committed to creating jobs and reducing poverty, in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is a huge step for Edo,” the governor said.
Governor Okpebholo assured that the state government would provide land, Certificates of Occupancy, security, and logistics to support the project. “Security will not be an issue. We are committed to protecting investments and ensuring Edo State remains safe for business,” he said, for all investors.
