Black Soot: Expert Blames FG

Environmental rights activist and medical doctor, Dr. Biyi Briggs, has blamed the Federal Government for the worsening black soot in parts of Rivers State.
Briggs while speaking on media phone in programmes organised by Silverbird at the weekend in Port Harcourt said failure of the Federal Government to enforce regulations and laws has encouraged artisanal refining of petroleum products responsible for black soot.
He argued that currently, the Rivers State Government was hamstrung since regulation of the industry falls within the purview of the Federal Government, and hence should act fast to prevent further environmental and health hazards.
Briggs while recalling that five years ago, the Rivers State Government set up a task force and committee over the soot, and reports showed that the black soot was dangerous to health.
Since after the report, the medical doctor noted that the Federal Government has failed to act in order to check the malaise caused by the soot problems.
“The people that enact and regulate the industry are in Abuja. They do not understand when we talk about environmental degradation. It’s alien to them. It’s we that are here that truly understands because we suffer the burden here”, Briggs remarked.
He tasked NOSRA, NNPC including the multinational oil firms to work out methods to ensure that the soot is curbed.
On the other hand, Briggs urged the Federal Government to implement the policy of modular refining so most of those engaged in artisanal refining will be regulated and trained in better ways to do their business.

By: Kevin Nengia