RIVERS STATE INDIGENOUS OIL REFINERIES The value of the huge deposits of oil and gas in Rivers State has to date not engendered a commensurate distinguishing development effort when compared to similar communities globally. Rather the black gold has become a source of social unrest; conflict between communities, armed groups against government and a complicated yet intriguing illegal oil business. An aspect of the growing illegal oil business has been the refining of conflict oil into several petroleum products including petrol and diesel albeit by very crude procedures. These sub standard products are marketed and sought after amidst security attacks on the refineries. It is said that in every dark cloud there is a silver lining. Perhaps government can turn this unwholesome situation into an opportunity; Instead of the continued criminalization and destroying of the technologies developed and employed by the young men and women who risk their lives refining stolen oil, government can be proactive and within the framework of law, policy and a carefully thought out plan legitimize these operations and improve on the technical efficiency of the technologies currently employed, with the objective of creating cost efficient indigenous refineries that would provide identifiable and sustainable jobs for thousands of our youths. These illegal refineries continue to exist because they are satisfying a demand for their products. For how long shall we continue to depend on costly importation of petroleum products to meet local demands? We have the oil, either state owned or state assisted mini refineries across the state could be the solution to meeting our local demand for petroleum products and would enhance social and economic advancement of the people. A homegrown oil refining and petroleum products industry pioneered by Rivers State would be a welcome development for the citizenry.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Jul 2013 11:29:44 +0000
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