Former President Goodluck Jonathan has commended the progress of the Azikel Refinery project in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, describing the facility as an important part of the emerging industrial development of the Niger Delta and South-South region.
Jonathan disclosed this after visiting and inspecting the refinery, where he said he was pleased to see the progress being made on the project.
The former President praised the scale and strategic importance of the investment, describing Azikel Refinery as a potential hub of industrialisation in the Niger Delta.
He noted that the privately developed refinery is designed to produce a full range of refined petroleum products, including petrol, and could contribute to Nigeria’s efforts to expand domestic refining capacity.
According to Jonathan, projects of this nature could support energy security, industrial development and economic diversification by increasing local value addition.
He also commended the President of Azikel Group, Dr Eruani Azibapu CFR, for what he described as vision, resilience and substantial investment in the development of the refinery.
Jonathan said the project demonstrated the role private-sector investors can play in promoting industrialisation in the Niger Delta.
He also referenced the Dangote Refinery as another major private-sector investment in Nigeria’s refining industry, saying projects of this scale could contribute to greater local content, self-reliance and energy security.
The former President said the Niger Delta has the potential to move beyond its traditional role as a major source of crude oil and become a centre for refining, manufacturing, value addition and employment creation.
Jonathan also acknowledged the contribution of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to the Azikel project.
He specifically commended AFC President Samaila Zubairu and the corporation’s board, as well as Afreximbank President George Elombi and its board, for their financial and institutional support toward the development of the refinery.
Jonathan said the Azikel Group’s objective of developing industrial infrastructure in the Niger Delta, adding value to Nigeria’s natural resources and creating sustainable employment aligned with broader efforts to promote economic development.
He said investments such as the Azikel Refinery could demonstrate the capacity of the Niger Delta to support industrial growth and contribute to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
