Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has condemned the long-standing abandonment of the Brass Modern Refinery project in Bayelsa State, calling it “unacceptable.”
During an inspection visit to Brass Local Government Area, Lokpobiri expressed frustration over the stalled project, emphasising the urgent need for revitalisation.
He also toured the Ewa-Ama road project leading to the Brass Petroleum Products Terminal, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to fast-tracking critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
“It is unacceptable that such a strategic project has been left in this state for so long,” Lokpobiri declared.
“The Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that critical oil and gas infrastructure, like the Brass Refinery, is completed to create jobs and drive economic growth in the region.”
A statement issued on Thursday by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the Minister, assured that the administration is determined to deliver on these projects within President Bola Tinubu’s first two years in office.
Accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, Lokpobiri stressed that the completion of these projects aligns with Tinubu’s mandate to boost Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Beyond infrastructure concerns, Lokpobiri engaged with host community representatives, commending their patience and peaceful disposition despite the setbacks.
“I sincerely commend the people of Brass for their patience and cooperation,” he said.
“Your support is invaluable, and I assure you that we will work tirelessly today to address these issues and bring this project to completion.”
A community representative welcomed the minister’s visit, describing it as a step toward rebuilding trust in the government’s commitment to the region.
“We appreciate Senator Lokpobiri’s visit and his assurance that this project will receive due attention,” the representative said. “We are hopeful that his intervention will lead to tangible progress.”
Lokpobiri further urged the community to sustain the peace, emphasising that stability is crucial for attracting investment and fostering regional development.
He reiterated the government’s dedication to creating economic opportunities that would benefit Brass and the broader Niger Delta region.
