BREAKING: Waltersmith Modular Refinery will increase domestic supply, export to other nations — Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated a 5,000-barrel per day Waltersmith Modular Refinery in Imo State, stressing that it will enhance domestic supply and export to other nations.

Buhari, who inaugurated the refinery sited in Ibigwe, Imo State virtually, stated that the for phase-two of the project would expand output to 50,000 barrels per day.

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, stated that the establishment of modular refineries remains one of the four key elements of his administration’s refinery roadmap.

The president said the Waltersmith refinery located in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State was coming on stream barely two years after the launch of the modular refinery roadmap by the federal government.

He stated: “Furthermore, there is increased momentum in the other three focus areas under the roadmap covering the rehabilitation of existing refineries, co-location of new refineries, and construction of greenfield refineries.

”The realisation of the refinery roadmap will ultimately lead us to becoming a net exporter of petroleum products not only to our neighbouring countries but to the worldwide market. This modular refinery is the largest commissioned modular refinery in the country today.

”The role played by the federal government through the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is going into collaboration with Waltersmith Refining and Petrochemical Company is novel in concept and superb in delivery.”

According to him, the President had also directed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and all relevant government agencies to provide Waltersmith company with all the needed support to access crude oil and condensate feedstock for the timely delivery of the additional capacity.

“The President commended the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, the Chairman and members of the Governing Council, and the management and staff of the Nigerian Content Development Board for making the public-private partnership a success.

“He also commended the Chairman, Board, Management, and Staff of Waltersmith Refining and Petrochemical Limited for their professionalism and focus in getting the project completed.

He added: “Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and the Minister of State, Petroleum cut the tape on behalf of the President at the event which was also attended by the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote and the Chairman of WalterSmith, Abdulrazaq Isa.”