The two associations, which leaders were on a tour of the
petroleum refinery project recently, expressed the belief that the refining
facility was capable of redefining Nigeria’s domestic fuels production.
They also said that completion of the gigantic project would
secure the future of young engineers in Nigeria and put them at par with their
counterparts in the global oil and gas industry.
Speaking after the tour of the refinery and petrochemical
projects, National Chairman of SPE, Prof. Olalekan Olafuyi, disclosed that the
visit was necessitated by the need for members to see the reality of the
massive project.
He said: “Much has
been heard and written regarding the refinery. Coming here has given us the opportunity
to see the level of construction works, application of world class technology
and massive equipment which are new to the Nigerian downstream oil and gas
industry.
“We have heard before about Dangote Petroleum Refinery and
have also seen that the project is for real. After touring the refinery, we are
amazed by the level of work that has already been done and we are eagerly
waiting for its completion.
‘’We are happy with what we have seen. Dangote is doing a
great job with the construction of a world class petroleum refinery. It is
remarkable that a Nigerian company is building a world-class project.”
Speaking also at the event, Director of planning Research
& Statistics, Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board, Patrick
Obah, stated that the Dangote refinery, which is Africa’s biggest oil refinery
and the world’s largest single-train facility, was contributing to the
implementation of the Nigerian Content Policy through its engagement of
Nigerian engineers.
Obah said: “It is awesome that this kind of project is
happening here in Nigeria. For the
first time I saw a tank that could hold 120 million liters of liquid at the
Dangote Petroleum Refinery plant. We are indeed happy that we have this kind of
facility here in Nigeria. The visit is very enriching for members of the
Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Nigerian Content Board.
“There is no doubt that the project gives inspiration to all
visitors who come on a tour of the refinery. The refinery plant gives a lot of
hope to Nigerians. It is important for
us to grow local capacity that will be able to fit into the energy demand of
tomorrow.”
The Managing Director, Dangote Industries Free Zone
Development Company, DIFZDC, Yinka Akande, said the refinery had continued to
provide employment for Nigerians.
Akande said Dangote would continue to promote the
development of Nigerian Downstream oil and gas industry.