Midoil Refining and Petrochemicals Company Limited, has finally performed the turning of sod ceremony,which marks the commencement of construction activities in Lagos.
The turning of the sod took place at Shekungba, Ikosi/Ejinrin Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.
Mrs Elizabeth-Omolara Akintonde, the Executive Chairman of Midoil, led dignitaries to the large expanse of land across various communities at Ikosi/Ejinrin Local Council Development Area.
Mrs Elizabeth put the leaders and members of the communities at peace, that the refinery would bring about change in their areas, and also will bring immediate development, and will also be creating both direct and indirect jobs.
She appreciated the village heads for ensuring they were not misled by some individuals who tried to bribe them to violate their agreements.
Mrs Akintonde, whose 74th birthday also coincided with the turning of the sod, said that the Midoil refinery would help boost Nigeria’s energy landscape with a refining capacity of 100,000 barrels per day.
In her statement of assurance to people on her determination to see the project turn to reality, she said, “All these bushes you see today, in the next couple of months, you will see them no more.
Hajia Amina Abdullahi, one of the Directors of Midoil and Chairman of Serenecity Staff Housing Estate, had expressed joy that the project had finally commenced after over a decade delay.
She said, “We have faith in God that we will witness the inauguration of the refinery. We know this is a big project that will go through many processes, but with the turning of the sod today, we have taken the right step.”
Retired Justice Olusola Hunponu-Wusu, one of the founding members of the proposed refinery, said that the country needs more refineries to boost its refining capacity, and also, to stop fuel importation.
Hunponu-Wusu said the country to work on its current low oil production, expressing confidence that there should not be a setback when the Midoil refinery finally comes on board.
While performing the turning of the sod, The Bishop of Lagos Anglican Communion, Ifedola Okupevi, prayed for the completion of the project at the right time.
On the 17th of March,2024, The Chairman of Midoil, signed agreements with the representatives of Shekungba, Arogbo and Ererufu, presenting cheques to the host communities.
She explained that the land was acquired from the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, and that the land allocation letter was received from the Lagos State Government on April 24, 2014.
She said that, “Subsequently, on January 24, 2017, we got the licenses to establish the refinery from then Department of Petroleum Resources.”
“It has taken Midoil 10 years to secure interested investors that are willing to invest in Nigeria and our project. But to the glory of God Almighty, we now have three consortiums of investors willing to invest $5bn with us.”
“The sourcing of the required funding from overseas has been the major reason for the delay.”
