RSG Makes Case For Modular Refineries

The Rivers State  Government, has urged International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the state to support the establishment of modular refineries in the state.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Igbiks Tamuno, gave the charge during a meeting with representatives of the Health/Safety Environment Department of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company in his office, recently.
The commissioner stated that the meeting was aimed at addressing petitions forwarded to the ministry by the host communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the State.
Tamuno said the proposed modular refineries would help curb activities of illegal refineries popularly known as “Kpo fire”, pipeline vandalism and oil theft.
He reiterated the need for the involvement of experts in addressing environmental disasters and to liaise with the ministry and relevant bodies at all times.
Tamuno called on IOCs to run Corporate Social Responsibility progra-mmes and engage the youths by sponsoring vocational trainings and advance soft loans to host communities to alleviate their sufferings.
The commissioner also said the establishment of modular refineries would help discourage illegal refining of petroleum products and reduce or eliminate soot from the environment.
He explained that soot was not only detrimental to human health, but that it could also affect the means of livelihood to humans at it is capable of destroying both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

Tonye Nria-Dappa