A high-powered delegation led by Azikiel Group President Dr. Eruani Azibapu on Monday, August 10, 2026, inspected the Crude Distillation Unit of the multi-billion-dollar Azikiel Refinery in Obunagha, Gbarain, marking a major step toward Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency.
The team, which included Bayelsa Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe, representing Governor Douye Diri; former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan; the Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and the Ebenanaowei of Ekpetiama, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, was led on a private tour of the 25,000-barrel-per-day privately owned hydro-skimming modular refinery.
According to the President of Azikiel Group, the refinery, which is set to become the first of its kind in the Niger Delta, will process local crude into Premium Motor Spirit, Automotive Gas Oil, Aviation Turbine Kerosene, Dual Purpose Kerosene, Liquefied Petroleum Gas and heavy oil.
Also Read: http://INEC Adjusts BVAS Threshold Ahead of Osun Governorship Election
Dr. Azibapu said the plant will boost domestic refining capacity, cut reliance on imported fuels, create jobs for young people and generate wide economic spin-offs across engineering, logistics, construction, agriculture and services.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, praised the bold indigenous investment and reaffirmed the support of his commission for the project, noting that improved infrastructure will become more vital as activity grows.
