By Soji Adeola Lagos, Nigeria.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain and former governorship aspirant in Delta state, Chief Sunny Onuesoke has urged the Federal Government upgrade illegal refineries in Niger Delta, instead of the destruction by security agents.
Onuesoke at breakfast meeting with selected journalists in port harcourt, ,Rivers state, noted that instead of destroying the illegal refineries, government should bring the operators of modular refineries on board and see how the methods of refining the product by the unskilled refiners can be improved.
He advised that the indigenous technology of refining crude oil to finished petroleum products should actually be encouraged, standardized and regulated, adding that such local technology is the springboard to development and empowerment of the people at the same time.
Onuesoke who is an environmentalist pointed out that the destruction of the illegal refineries by security agents had caused a lot of problem in the area of pollution, environmental degradation and other social factors, adding that the legalization of modular refinery would help in the reduction of the importation of fuel from other nation, increased local production, generate employment, safe our foreign reserve and prevent environmental pollution.
“Since we do not have functional and legal refineries, we should embrace illegal once and make it legal. We should engage, equipped and train the operators in modern technology. China, India, Japan and even America do not criminalize illegal business, instead they tap their knowledge for economic and valuable use.
“Modular refinery has been proven to be flexible and cost-effective supply option for crude producers in remote regions. This is particularly true where there is a need to adapt rapidly to meet local demand. Relatively low capital cost, speed and ease of construction are key advantages of a modular refinery.” Onuesoke explained.
Hear him, “When you have a job, you could train your children; you could have banks, hospitals, grocery stores, carpenters, accountants, lawyers, all kinds of occupations to support a town.”
