FG, BPPT sign construction pact against illegal refining

In a bid to curb illegal refining and stabilise products pricing in the Niger Delta region, the federal government on Friday signed a shareholders’ agreement for the construction of Brass Petroleum products Terminal Limited (BPPT).

Speaking after the signing in Abuja, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, noted that when completed, the project would help to close the infrastructure gap in distribution of petroleum products and also stop illegal refining activities taking place in some parts of the Niger Delta.

“Today is my happiest day as a minister because of the successful Nigeria International Petroleum summit and this happening now is an indication that we are driving our aspiration.

“This agreement has scored Mr. President so high because nobody has impacted the oil sector more than he has done. Apart from approving this agreement, the president also approved building of Oloibiri museum which is moving at a high speed.

“Construction of this depot in the Niger Delta is a big milestone as the people in the riverine areas buy petroleum products five times the price other people purchase it,” he said.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring the development in the Niger Delta region with the approval to build “this terminal, Brass Fertiliser plant, gas top company among others.”

Also speaking, the NNPC group managing director, Mele Kyari, gave the assurance that the Corporation would ensure that the project was delivered on schedule, noting that “after decades of neglect, the project finally came on board.”

Likewise, the executive secretary, Nigeria Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote, commended the NAPIMS for inter – ministerial collaboration to get to the stage of signing the agreement.

“The board members will continue to help drive this project; we will demand for performance and accountability,” he said.

Similarly, the managing director, ZED Energy Limited, Mr. John Dankori, thanked the federal government for giving them the opportunity to be part of the project.