The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) on Thursday announced that it is waiting for green lights from the Federal Government's to begin its planned $3 billion refinery.

The association in July 2014 secured more than 1,000 hectares of land to construct refineries that would produce 200,000 bopd at Itobe, Kogi, and Abbe in Bayelsa, Guardian news reports.

According to Ahmed Fashola, National Assistant Secretary of IPMAN, the association is still dedicated to the project but is currently being faced with the delay in government policies and direction on the project.

“We are pursuing it very strongly because we believe in the success of the refinery. We bought 1,000 hectares of land in Kogi and Bayelsa, the states have been given approvals, but what we are waiting for is the government's directive and policies. Once government approvals and consent have been given, we are ready to move to the site and commence production,” he stated.

Fashola added that the government should look into the project in time as the delay remains a setback.

“The cost of exporting crude oil and bringing back refined products will be reduced. We want government to give us the necessary licenses and ensure an enabling environment to operate,” he added.

The assistant secretary criticizes NNPC's plan to construct more retail outlets, claiming that is not the nation's problem. He said doing that signifies that the corporation is competing with marketers.

Anita Fatunji