Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has commended Azikel Group President Azibapu Eruani for investing $1 billion in the Azikel Refinery in Bayelsa State, urging the project’s backers to complete the facility within the next 12 months.

Obasanjo made the call during a ceremony marking the symbolic installation of the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) at the project site in Obunagha community, Yenagoa Local Government Area.

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The former president said the progress recorded at the facility reflected Eruani’s commitment to turning the long-planned project into reality.

Obasanjo recalled that he first visited the site about eight years ago to lay the foundation stone, expressing satisfaction with the level of development since then.

He also acknowledged the financial support provided by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), urging both institutions to sustain their commitment until the refinery becomes operational.

“My challenge to you, Dr Eruani, is to ensure that the refinery is completed within the next 12 months. With this done, you can even double the capacity,” Obasanjo said.

When completed, the Azikel Refinery is expected to produce about 2.5 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, and two million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) daily.

The facility is expected to add significantly to Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity as the country continues efforts to reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

The project also comes amid growing investment in local refining, following the commencement of operations at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

Eruani said the refinery was conceived as part of a broader effort to transform the Niger Delta from a region largely associated with crude oil extraction into a centre for petroleum processing and industrial development.

He expressed appreciation to Obasanjo for returning to the project site years after the foundation-laying ceremony, while also acknowledging the support of the Bayelsa State Government, financial institutions, contractors and technical partners.

Eruani also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s energy security.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri described the refinery as a major industrial development for the state, the Niger Delta and Nigeria’s South-South region.

Diri said the project could help shift the region away from the traditional model of crude oil extraction towards local processing and value addition.

The governor also highlighted the refinery’s potential to create jobs and improve technical skills among young people in Bayelsa.

He urged residents, particularly youths, to prepare for the employment and business opportunities that could emerge when the facility begins commercial operations.

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The advancement of the Azikel Refinery adds to Nigeria’s growing push to expand domestic petroleum processing and strengthen energy security through private-sector investment.