Uduaghan Canvasses Local Refineries Technology

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has canvassed for the use of local technology in the establishment of small refineries in the Niger Delta region in order to reduce illegal refining and bunkering.

Uduaghan who stated this when the National Executive members of the Petroleum   and Natural  Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN)  paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba, capital of the state said that local technology can be improved upon and used in setting up small refineries.

He explained that the youths involved in this local technology would be empowered to help   increase fuel supply in the country.

The Delta State Chief executive said: It is possible we look at this illegal refinery and bunkering in the Niger Delta region. We should assist  the youths in the Niger Delta region. We should assist the youths involved in the used of local technology in refining fuel and legalise it. This will help reduce illegal refinery and bunkering in the region and increase  fuel supply in the country”.

Uduaghan  expressed his desire to see that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) was passed by the  National Assembly, pointing out that the bill as one that everyone is eager to see passed into law but regretted that “in the newspapers we hear that it has been abandoned by the present National Assembly. We will continue to talk to our people representing us in the assembly to ensure its  passage”.

He commended  PENGASSAN for the maturity and understanding it exhibited in Warri, assuring them that his administration was doing its best in dealing with security problems in the state.

The Governor noted that his administration three point agenda was focused on human empowerment, infrastrature development, peace and security, stressing that an enabling environment has been provide to attract investors to the state.

In his remarks, the national president of the union, Comrade Babatunde Ogwu represented  by Comrade Hyginus Onuegbu observed that the issues of  security, human development and fuel subsidy were important to them and appealed to the governor  to assist in ensuring that the issues  are addressed adequately.

According to him, PENGASSAN is not against the deregulation of the oil sector but was advocating for the refining of fuel in the country.

“We are not against deregulation provided it is not import-driven. Our refineries should be functional so that we won’t import fuel”, he stressed.

Shedie Okpara