By John Ikani
The Duport Modular Refinery financed with equity participation by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) will be ready for commissioning by end of March 2022.
This was made known by the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote on Wednesday after he undertook an assessment visit and participated in the 1st quarter board meeting of directors at Duport Energy Park in Egbokor, Edo state.
Speaking to newsmen after the visit, the NCDMB boss said the Duport Energy Park is the first integrated energy park in Nigeria, with a 2,500 barrels refinery, CNG Gas processing plant, 10 megawatts power plant, and a world-class data center.
He described the progress made by the project as impressive considering the various challenges posed by COVID-19, travel restrictions and other issues.
Also speaking, Dr. Olatutu Sholeye, a member of the Board of Directors expressed delight at the work done, adding that it had created employment opportunities and built capacities among the teeming youth in the community.
She mentioned that energy is key to the growth of every sector of the economy in Nigeria.
On his part, the Managing Director of Midstream Company Limited, Dr. Akintoye Akindele appreciated the NCDMB for its continuous partnership.
He said: “NCDMB has been a big part of Duport’s success story. It takes more than finance but also advice, technical and commercial to build a novel and unique project.”
Dr. Akindele further stated that Duport Energy Park will refine crude oil into naphtha, AGO, otherwise known as diesel, Heavy Fuel Oil and DPK, known popularly as kerosine as well process gas to CNG, LPG and LNG, adding that the facility is the second firm in Nigeria to acquire a tier-4 data center license.