The President of Azikel Group, Dr. Azibapu Eruani, has stated that the Azikel Petroleum Refinery aims to add value to Nigeria’s crude oil, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the industrialisation of the nation, while ensuring the availability of refined petroleum products.
Dr. Eruani made this assertion while hosting Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who paid a courtesy visit to the refinery in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Highlighting the strategic significance of the project, Eruani noted that the refinery, now in its final stages of completion, marks a pivotal moment for both Bayelsa and Nigeria. “Bayelsa is now counted among states that host a refinery,” he said, emphasising the transformative impact this will have on the state’s economy.
Eruani further underscored the uniqueness of the Azikel Refinery in Africa, pointing out that it is the only refinery in the subregion that processes both crude oil and condensate into premium petroleum products. “The Azikel Refinery stands as the first and only condensate hydro-skimming refinery in the entire African subregion,” he said.
The refinery, Eruani explained, is designed to capitalise on Nigeria’s wasted condensate resources, thereby creating a new market and enhancing the value of this often overlooked feedstock. He noted that the Nigerian government has recognised the Azikel Refinery’s model and is advocating for more refineries to adopt the use of condensate in refining premium products.
“The Azikel Refinery is a hydro skimming facility with the capacity to produce petrol (PMS), diesel (AGO), dual purpose kerosene (DPK), aviation fuel, and heavy fuel oil,” Eruani said. He added that the only two refineries in Nigeria capable of producing petrol alongside other products are Azikel Refinery and the Dangote Refinery.
Differentiating the facility from modular refineries, which typically only produce diesel, Eruani assured Nigerians that the Azikel Refinery will produce up to five million litres of premium petroleum products daily, helping to alleviate fuel scarcity and ensure sufficient supply across the country.
On employment, Eruani revealed that the refinery has already created over 400 jobs, with more than 250 positions filled by Bayelsa residents and other Nigerians. The workforce includes both indigenous and expatriate staff, with the company investing in extensive training to equip local employees with skills that meet international standards in refinery operations.
Upon completion, the $850 million refinery will serve as a significant source of revenue for both the Bayelsa State Government and Nigeria. Eruani disclosed that the refinery is now 87 per cent complete, with the Outside Battery Limits (OSBL) portion fully completed and 74 per cent progress made on the Inside Battery Limits (ISBL) section.
Eruani also clarified that the term “modular refinery” does not imply a small-scale operation. Rather, it refers to the process modules being manufactured overseas, shipped to Nigeria, and assembled on-site for easy installation and commissioning.
Governor Diri Lauds Azikel Refinery’s Milestone
During his visit, Governor Douye Diri expressed satisfaction with the refinery’s progress, describing it as a breakthrough for Bayelsa. “This refinery is the first crude oil related industry in the state, and Dr. Eruani has broken the jinx,” Diri said. He praised Eruani for his business acumen and for choosing to site the refinery in Bayelsa, where the availability of crude oil will minimise operational losses and challenges.
Governor Diri highlighted the impact the refinery will have on Bayelsa’s industrialisation efforts and its potential to fulfil the vision of the state’s founding fathers. The refinery is expected to significantly boost Bayelsa’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and create employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
“I am thrilled that this project is nearing completion, and I look forward to being part of the history of inaugurating the first modular refinery in Bayelsa,” the governor said.
Diri also took the opportunity to address the long standing issue of power supply in Bayelsa, noting that it was an anomaly for the state to have abundant crude oil and gas resources yet lack industries and uninterrupted electricity. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling this challenge by engaging investors to revitalise the state’s gas turbines.
The governor called on other Bayelsans, particularly those thriving outside the state, to return home and contribute to its development. “Development is not solely the responsibility of the government. It requires partnership with the private sector,” he said, commending Eruani’s initiative and encouraging others to follow suit.
In a final note of appreciation, Diri thanked Eruani for bringing the refinery to Bayelsa, describing the project as a major step in transforming the state’s economic landscape. “You have made our dreams come true, and I am confident that the younger generation will be inspired to follow your footsteps,” he concluded.
