THE aim of federal government’s focus on modular refineries is to improve local capacity, create cost cutting technologies and reduce capital flight. Ibe Kachikwu, the minister of state for Petroleum Resources, gave this hint at the weekend during the convocation ceremony of the Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Effurun, Delta State.

Represented by Folasade Yemi-Esan, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Kachikwu said one of the major policy thrust of the Muhammadu Buhari administration was the development and engagement of local content.

He said further: “In this regard, PTI’s close collaboration with the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, which has been mandated to construct a model modular refinery, using local materials and technology, cannot be overemphasised.

“When operational, this refinery would be used for experiential training and for teaching purposes. By implication, the institute would once again be involved in the local training and re-training of industry personnel thereby reducing capital flight in conformity with the change mantra of this administration in the area of employing cost-cutting measures in the conduct of government business.”

The minister said it was regrettable that the petroleum industry had suffered massive setbacks occasioned by the wanton destruction of oil facilities and installations.

– Oct 9, 2017 @ 16:15 GMT /