THUR AUG 20 2026-theGBJournal| The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to attracting and supporting strategic private-sector investments capable of driving sustainable economic growth and industrial development across the state.
The Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Peter Uviejitobor, stated this during an inspection visit to the refinery site, following a presentation by the management of MB Refinery to the state government.
According to him, the MB Refinery project represents a significant step towards deepening private-sector participation in the oil and gas industry, expanding local refining capacity, creating employment opportunities and strengthening the industrial base of Delta State.
Uviejitobor noted that investments of this nature align with the state government’s commitment to promoting sustainable economic development and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He said the inspection showed that significant progress had been made, including the development of the basement and foundation, as well as designated areas for the installation of storage tanks for petroleum products.
The Commissioner noted that the refinery’s strategic location along the riverbank and the vast expanse of land acquired by the company would provide significant advantages for the transportation and importation of equipment, exportation of refined products and future expansion of the facility into petrochemical production.
According to him, the project has the potential to develop into a major industrial hub capable of competing with some of the country’s leading refineries, adding that the arrival of equipment from overseas would further accelerate the project’s development.
He therefore called on investors and strategic partners to support the project through collaboration, public-private partnerships and other viable financing arrangements that could strengthen its financial base and facilitate the commencement of production.
Uviejitobor disclosed that the refinery was expected to commence production within 18 months, adding that its proposed petrochemical component could attract additional industries, create employment and stimulate economic activities in the surrounding communities.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MB Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited and Bob and Sil Global Services Limited, Akuyoma Bobson, said the project was designed as a 30,000-barrels-per-day modular refinery to be developed in phases.
Bobson explained that the first phase would have a refining capacity of 5,000 barrels per day and produce Naphtha, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO/Diesel), Fuel Oil and Jet Fuel.
According to him, the second phase would increase the capacity to 15,000 barrels per day, while the third phase would take the refinery to its full 30,000-barrels-per-day capacity and introduce processes for converting Naphtha into Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
Bobson further disclosed that the facility would utilize Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for power generation, noting that the initiative would help reduce operating costs and improve the refinery’s overall economic efficiency.
He added that the project was expected to create between 150 and 200 direct local jobs when fully operational, apart from the wider economic opportunities it would generate for businesses, service providers and communities in the area.
The refinery management expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government and the host community for their support and warm reception, stressing that the cooperation would contribute significantly to the successful completion and operation of the project.
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