Group Supports Okowa On the Establishment of Mini Refineries
The Concerned Niger Delta Youths Initiative a non-governmental organisation has described the call by His Excellency Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa on the establishment of mini refineries as commendable and capable of not just boosting the Nation's economy but would solve the problems of pipe line vandalism, oil theft, illegal local crude refining, illegal bunkering, unemployment, environmental polution and other health issues.
The group in a statement by it president Mr Ebis Orubebe call on President Muhammadu Buhari to take a critically look on the issue of mini refineries as a way of solving the problems mentioned above.
Mr Ebis Orubebe averred that Decades of dependence on imported refined products has taken a huge toll on Nigeria’s economy, it has technically moved Nigerian job abroad, put enormous pressure on the naira due to foreign exchange and encourage products smuggling.
"Drawing from the experiences of the existing refineries where the Nigerian four refineries total installed capacity of refining 445,000 barrels per day compare with the consumption rate of estimated 400,000 barrels per day and the long running issue of maintenance, mini refineries is the best option available for us as a country because of their low capital cost and speed and ease of construction", he however called on President Muhammadu Buhari to key into the idea because it will yield huge bebefits to the country.
As consumption of petroleum products continue to increase rapidly all over the country, mini refineries will be the most useful and cost effective way of meeting our local demands without engaging in the illegal crude refinings that are currently going on in the Niger Delta region.
"On behalf of the Concerned Niger Delta Youths Initiative, I wish to express our total support and commitment to the call by the Delta State Governor Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa for the setting up of mini refineries". Continuing the group said "mini refineries if allowed, have multiplier effect, it will ensure optimal use of our resources, reduce our dependence on imported refined petroleum products, income opportunity and create employment for the teaming unemployed youth as well as reducing environmental polution."
We therefore solicit the backing of the federal government and other governors of the Niger Delta for Gov Okowa's call for the setting up of mini refineries to enhance affordable, efficient energy supply and job creation for the teeming youths in the Niger Delta and the country at large.