For years, the people of Brass, Bayelsa State, have watched the Brass Modern Refinery sit idle, a project that was meant to transform their community, create jobs, and boost the local economy. But all they’ve had are broken promises and abandoned dreams.
That’s why when Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), visited the site, he didn’t hold back. He called the long-standing neglect of the refinery “unacceptable” and made it clear that the Federal Government would no longer look the other way.
“This Refinery Must Work”
Standing on the ground where the refinery should have been thriving, Lokpobiri’s frustration was evident.
“It is unacceptable that such an important project has been abandoned for this long,” he said.
“The Federal Government is fully committed to completing this refinery because it will create jobs, grow the economy, and benefit the people of Brass and beyond.”
Lokpobiri didn’t just stop at the refinery. He also inspected the Ewa-Ama road project, which leads to the Brass Petroleum Products Terminal another critical project that has suffered delays. He assured the people that these projects would be prioritised under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with a clear goal of delivering results within the first two years of his tenure.
Hope for a Forgotten Community
For the people of Brass, this visit was more than just another government inspection. It was a glimmer of hope.
A community leader, who spoke after meeting Lokpobiri, expressed cautious optimism:
“We have heard so many promises before, but seeing the minister here today, listening to us, gives us hope. If this refinery is revived, it will change our lives.”
Lokpobiri himself acknowledged the patience and resilience of the people.
“I sincerely commend the people of Brass for their patience and cooperation,” he said. “Your support is invaluable, and I promise you, we will not let this project die.”
A Call for Peace and Progress
While addressing the community, Lokpobiri urged them to continue maintaining peace, emphasising that stability was crucial for attracting investors and ensuring the project’s success.
“If we want real development, we must create an environment that encourages investment,” he advised. “This refinery will not just benefit the government; it will benefit every single person in this community.”
Now, all eyes are on the government to see if this promise will finally be kept or if the Brass Refinery will remain another abandoned dream in the Niger Delta.