Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has reassured Nigerians and the people of Bayelsa State of the strong determination of the federal government to complete the Brass modern refinery in Brass Local Government Area of the state in no distance time.
He gave the assurance when he visited the state to find out the level of progress of the project.
He boasted of the federal government’s resolve to complete the project as part of its commitment to revitalising critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
Accompanied by Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Senator Lokpobiri, during a town hall meeting with stakeholders, said he was not in Brass to witch-hunt the contractor or the consultant but only interested in ensuring the project’s completion.
While emphasising that the completion of ongoing projects in the region is a key mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, he promised that the government is poised to ensure the realisation of these projects within the Tinubu’s first two years in office.
The Minister lauded the peaceful disposition of the people despite the challenges they have faced and urged them to continue supporting the federal government’s efforts. He assured them that their concerns had been noted.
The Minister further urged the host community to sustain the peace, stressing that stability is essential for attracting further investment and development.
He also reiterated the government’s dedication to creating opportunities that would benefit the people of Brass and the broader Niger Delta region.
In response, the Secretary to the Amanayanbo-in-Council, HRH Pregha Ebiye Golden, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit, describing it as a significant step towards restoring confidence 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.”