The Edo State Government has presented the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) with a Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) for its proposed Oredo refinery and petrochemical project, in a move aimed at advancing the state’s drive to attract investments and boost industrial development.
The certificate was presented to the NNPC delegation during a courtesy visit to the Edo State Government House in Benin City, with the company’s Executive Vice-President, Downstream, Mumuni Dagazau, receiving the document on behalf of the national oil company.
Dagazau commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing the land and necessary documentation to facilitate the proposed investment.
He said the refinery project was consistent with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its objectives of strengthening domestic energy security, reducing reliance on imported petroleum products and promoting local value addition.
According to him, the project would expand Nigeria’s refining capacity while creating investment opportunities across the downstream petroleum sector.
He further identified employment generation, technology transfer, increased local participation and industrial growth among the expected benefits of the proposed facility.
The NNPC executive assured the Edo government that the company would collaborate with the state administration and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of the project.
He described the presentation of the C-of-O as evidence of Okpebholo’s commitment to attracting productive investments capable of stimulating economic activities in the state.
Dagazau expressed optimism that the refinery would contribute to Edo’s economic development and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security, while highlighting the importance of cooperation between government and investors.
In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo expressed satisfaction with the NNPC delegation’s visit and reiterated his administration’s readiness to provide an enabling environment for businesses and investors.
He explained that allocating land for the proposed refinery was part of his government’s broader strategy to attract investments, expand the state’s revenue base and generate employment for residents.
The governor said the project would broaden Edo’s commercial and industrial activities while delivering economic benefits to the people.
He also assured NNPC of the state government’s continued support, expressing confidence that the proposed refinery would make a significant contribution to the state’s development.
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