New refinery to boost training, generate jobs

THE Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has approved initial licence for Integrated Oil and Gas Limited to commence preliminary work for a 20,000 capacity modular refinery along one of the coastal axis in Lagos State.
According to promoters of the project, the initiative is expected to generate “thousand of direct and indirect jobs coupled with regular training”.
Chairman of the company, Captain Emmaneul Ihenacho, explained that work has commenced on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed project.

According to Ihenacho, the company is working on other necessary requirements of the project, noting that the process is a continuous one.

He said: “If you go to the DPR website, you will see all the terms and conditions for granting of refinery licenses. The DPR gives you license in stages, it gives you license to establish, license to construct and after that it gives you license to operate”.

He added: “DPR would not sit down and say let us go and do an EIA and after that they will give you license. They give you license based on the technology that is used for refining and your ability to give them very good presentation on that subject before they say alright go and start it.”

He said the company is working closely and in partnership with the leadership of local communities as part of measures to ensure smooth operations.

Ihenacho disclosed that several meetings have been held between the company’s management and the traditional rulers (16 Baales) around the area, with a view to having the consent of the host communities.

Ihenacho, who spoke on sundry issues, said all necessary modalities are being put in place to make the proposed project a huge success.