Midoil Refining and Petrochemicals Company Limited has finally performed the ground-breaking ceremony at Shekungba, Ikosi/Ejinrin Local Council Development Area which marks the commencement of construction activities in Lagos.
The Executive Chairman of Midoil, Mrs Elizabeth-Omolara Akintonde, led dignitaries to the large expanse of land spanning various communities at Ikosi/Ejinrin Local Council Development Area.
Mrs Elizabeth acquired the large expanse of land from the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, stating that the land allocation letter was received from the Lagos State Government on April 24, 2014.
The Chairman of Midoil, on March 17, 2024 signed agreements with the representatives of Shekungba, Arogbo and Ererufu, presenting cheques to the host communities.
During the ceremony, She assured leaders and members of the communities that the refinery would transform their areas by bringing immediate development, creating both direct and indirect jobs
She commended the village heads for refusing to be misled by some individuals who tried to bribe them to renege on their agreements.
Akintonde, whose 74th birthday fell on the ground-breaking stated that the Midoil refinery would boost Nigeria’s energy landscape with a refining capacity of 100,000 barrels per day.
“All these bushes you see today, in the next couple of months, you will see them no more,” Akintonde stated, assuring the people of her determination to see the project to reality.
One of the Directors of Midoil and Chairman of Serenecity Staff Housing Estate, Hajia Amina Abdullahi, expressed joy that the project had finally commenced after over a decade delay.
“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,” she stated.
Retired Justice Olusola Hunponu-Wusu who is a founding member of the proposed refinery opined that the country needed more refineries to boost its refining capacity and stop fuel importation.
