‘How Modular Refineries Can Work In N’ Delta’

An activist in the Niger Delta, Dr Andy Akpotive, has said that the planned establishment of modular refineries in the region by the Federal Government  has remained elusive because of the unrealistic approach adopted by the federal government on the issue.
The activist who spoke with The Tide in an interview, said the federal government should do away with bogus proposals and involve the youths in the development of artisan refineries to create enterprises in the region.
He pointed out that the Niger Delta youths were creative but need incentives to improve the development of artisan refineries.
He urged the federal government to make consultations with the governments and other stakeholders in the region to ensure proper domestication and sustainability of the project.
Akpotive, who is also a public affairs analyst, said the project which was expected to engage Niger Delta youths productively and tackle  poverty was still in the coolers because of the exclusive approach of the federal government towards its implementation.
“What prompted some of the Niger Delta youths to go into local refining of petroleum products is interest and determination to tap from the natural resources in their communities. The federal government can’t be talking of establishment of modular refineries without getting the youths of the Niger Delta fully mobilised.
“There should be improvement on what the youths have done through the artisan refineries, what they need is upgrading of capacities and the right incentives”, he said.
According to him, this could be done through proper negotiations and partnership with the governments of the Niger Delta states and other critical stakeholders in the region.
He said the Niger Delta has suffered so much development neglect despite its huge contributions to the nation’s economy, and cautioned against politicisation of issues relating to the development of the region.
The activist urged the people of the Niger Delta to be united and proactive in the quest for institutional justice in the country, adding that the Niger Delta can only develop when the people, “ take possession of their economic destiny.”

By: Taneh Beemene