Opinion
Whither The Modular Refineries?
If top government officials are not sleeping well, especially those in the security arm, two issues may be responsible for their induced or forced insomnia; Boko Haram insurgence and the rising incidence of crude oil theft in the creeks of the Niger Delta which appear so far to be unstoppable.
The reason for this assertion may not be far fetched if the quantity of our oil that has been siphoned through illegal means – illegal bunkering and through illegal refineries, is anything to go by, despite attempts by the security agencies to stop this economic crime.
These illegal refineries have become so ubiquitous that the more they are destroyed the more they seem to spring up like mushrooms even as the Joint Task Force (JTF) is battling to dismantle them.
For instance, between January and December 2012 about 4349 illegal refineries were destroyed in the Niger Delta by the JTF. The Commander, Joint Task Force, (Operations Pulo Shield) Maj Gen. Jao Ochoga who disclosed this at Yenagoa during the media briefing on the JTF Operations for 2012 also said that 1945 illegal oil bunkering suspects, 1215 Cotonou boats, 187 Tanker Trucks, 178 fuel dumps, as well as 5574 surface tanks, were destroyed during the period, among other valuables like pumping machines and outboard engines.
It is however heart warming that the Commander identified social impediments in the way of eradicating this crime which cost the country so much both in terms of human and material loses and environmental pollution.
He said that community support for oil thieves, involvement of foreigners, ineptitude in the prosecution and quick dispensation of justice to offenders are some of the challenges confronting the force in the region. This foot-dragging, as it were at hitting back at these economic saboteurs is inexplicable if the fact that the country lost over N197bn to crude oil thieves in the first six months of last year, is taken into account.
This development must not be allowed to continue unchallenged, particularly now that the home based thieves have introduced the crime to their foreign friends, all with a view to robbing the federal government of much needed resources to develop the country.
As such there is need for stiff punishment for those caught in this act, particularly as most of them would hardly name their main sponsors.
This line of thought is also informed by the fact that though several lives have been lost occasioned by the use of ill-refined kerosene emanating from the illegal refineries, some unpatriotic community leaders appear to be supportive of this vice, for of obvious reasons. However, the recent move by the JTF to prosecute some oil thieves is reassuring moreso when the new Commander of the force, Maj. Gen. Bata Debiro had already launched a counter strategy with the objective of wiping out oil thieves in the Niger Delta.
In fact the JTF has already, handed 175 suspects arrested during their operations to the prosecuting agencies in the hope that justice will be meted to them. Most reassuring, however, is Maj Gen. Debiro’s identification of our countrymen’s connivance with foreigners to steal our crude, an action which he described as economic sabotage and a threat to economic security and future generation of Nigerians, and his pledge to ensure they never succeeded in their nefarious plans.
While we hope that the law takes it course on the suspected oil thieves and pipeline vandals we recall that the federal government had promised us what it called, modular refineries. In July 2012 the federal government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a US based oil consortium to build six modular refineries in the coastal areas of the country with the capacity to produce 30 million litres of products daily.
The $4.5bn deal with Volta Petroleum Resources Ltd and its Nigerian counterpart Petroleum Refinery and Strategic Reserves Ltd. according to the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga who stood in for Nigeria, two of the refineries which would refine between 30,000 and 60,000 barrels of crude per day were expected to be completed within the next 12 months. This means the two advance modular refineries are expected within the next few months.
There is no gainsaying the fact that the country needed more refineries to refine the crude available here in large quantities in order to shore-up short falls in demand of petroleum products in the country.
This explains why government should put in place necessary measures to ensure the success of the joint venture. In fact Mr. Edozie Njoku who signed the MoU for the Petroleum Refining and Strategic resources Ltd. noted that there was need for the Federal government to establish more modern refineries toward alleviating some of Nigeria’s economic problems, adding that when the refineries become functional the issue of fuel subsidy would be dropped entirely. There is no doubt that the Federal government must heed this advise to establish modern refineries, rather than spending money in Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) schemes for the old refineries that have since refused to function optimally. The etroleum industry has many problems but checkmating crude oil theft is top priority.
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.