The construction of the $1 billion Azikel Refinery in Obunagha, Bayelsa State, has reached a major milestone with the arrival of its Crude Distillation Unit, an event marked by an inspection tour involving prominent figures from across Nigeria.
The 25,000 barrels-per-day private hydro-skimming facility is set to become Nigeria’s second-largest full-slate refinery and the first major privately owned plant in the Niger Delta. Designed to process condensate into petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, and kerosene, the project is expected to drive industrialisation and employ hundreds of local workers.
During the site visit, former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan revealed her personal role in nurturing the career of the Group President of Azikel Group, Dr Azibapu Eruani. In footage from the tour that subsequently went viral, Mrs Jonathan described Eruani as a “small boy” she mentored and introduced to prominent industrial leaders, including Aliko Dangote and Aminu Dantata.
She recounted advising the young entrepreneur to learn from established titans, telling him, “Go and follow them, and stop the grammar.” Mrs Jonathan added that despite initial doubts about his high ambitions, she prayed for his success and supported his efforts to secure operational licences.
Expressing initial skepticism over whether the former APC administration under Muhammadu Buhari would grant approval, she recalled asking him, “Is it the APC government that will give you one?” before his firm eventually secured approvals for three refineries.
The inspection tour drew significant political and community leaders. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), commended Eruani’s resilience, noting he had attended the facility’s groundbreaking ceremony eight years earlier.
Mr Ogbuku hailed the refinery as a catalyst for investment and economic growth, urging local youths to key into the impending job opportunities, while also praising the Bayelsa State Government for upgrading access roads to the site.