Groups laud Sylva, Kyari over Port Harcourt refinery rehabilitation

Port Harcourt -- Groups in the Niger Delta region have described the ongoing rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery as a welcome development, which would boost the economy of the region and create jobs.

Recall that the federal government in March 2021 awarded contract of $1.5 billion to an Italian firm, Tecnimont SPA, for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, to be completed in 44 months.

Rising from a stakeholders' meeting in Port Harcourt, the groups, namely the Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta, MOSIEND; Rivers State Youth Leaders Assembly, and the Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Peace and Progress, NDYCPP; said the project would create jobs.

The groups lauded the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, the Group Managing

Port Harcourt -- The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has explained how it has been able to protect oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta region from vandalism, as well as reduce third party infractions on such facilities.

The Defence headquarters disclosed that the feat has been achieved through series of deployments, escorts and partnership with oil industry players.

The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Benard Onyeuko, listed some of activities of the military to include protection of oil and gas facilities,

Director, NNPC Ltd, Mallam Mele Kyari and the Managing Director of Port Harcourt Refinery Company, Engr. Ahmed Dikko on the refinery rehabilitation.

President of MOSIEND, Mr Kennedy Tonjo-West, said the ongoing rehabilitation of the refinery has raised excitement and hope amongst youth groups and different labour organisations and business owners in the region.

West added that the project would create employment for both skilled and unskilled labour as well as enhance anti-crude oil theft operations and clearance of militants and pirates’ camps as well as non-kinetic conflicts resolution.

Onyeuko spoke recently while giving updates on the activities of Operation Delta Safe in 2021.

According to him, OPDS conducted several operations to

commercial activities within and around the Refinery environment.

He added that the stakeholders meeting was imperative, to discuss the wayforward towards the improvement of the socio-economic and security condition in the region.

Also, the President of NDYCPP, Mr Teide Jude, said the groups have worked out modalities on how to partner and positively key into the project, especially in the areas of employment and award of contracts to qualified firms and businesses owned by youths of the region. ensure safe and peaceful operation of the oil and gas Industry as well as security of people in the Niger Delta.

"OPDS conducted static deployments, escort duties and patrols around major oil and gas facilities within the joint operations area. These deployments and patrols have drastically reduced third party infractions on such facilities.