Minster of State for Petroleum Ibe kachukwu has assured that the nation’s refineries will be functional by the end of next year adding that this administration is committed to ensuring that the importation of petroleum products is curtailed.

Kachukwu spoke at Ibigwe-Ohaji in Ohaji\Egbema council area of Imo State during the ground-breaking for construction of the 5,000 BPD Modular Refinery by Walter Smith petro-chemical limited explained that the project is being partnered by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB)

The Minister who commended management of Walter Smith for partnering the NCDMB to realize the project said that he was hopeful that in 18 months the modular refinery would be inaugurated.

Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Mr Kesiye Wabote, revealed that the Board invested US $10 million to catalyze the development of the Modular refinery and took 30 per cent equity in the project.

He added that the NCDMB would divest when the modular refinery was fully developed and operational pointing out that NCDMB was promoting the Walter Smith Modular refinery as part of its capacity development mandate .

He said that the investment was also in line with the Nigeria Content 10- year strategic plan.

When operational in 18 months time it will.produce per day: Naphtha – 24,643 liters, Kerosene – 54,691 liters, Diesel – 300,168 liters, HPFO – 409,710 liters.