By Lillian Okenwa
“The shortage of refining capacity at existing oil refineries is the main driver of Nigeria’s fuel crisis, which hampers the socio-economic development of the country,” wrote The Conversation in a March 7, 2022 post.
The Conversation further stated that: “Modular refineries are simplified crude oil refineries with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 30,000 barrels per day. They are well-suited for remote areas. Over 30 licences for modular refineries were issued in 2015 by the Department of Petroleum Resources (now Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission).
“But very few operate effectively, because of inconsistencies surrounding policy and regulations in Nigeria’s investment space. There is however no clarity in the petroleum industry Act to remedy these inconsistencies.”
On account of these inconsistencies and more, illegal refineries are thriving.
However, as Abdu Maikano said in Vanguard of 7 December, 2015, “If there are illegal refineries in Nigeria, they should be seen as a blessing. Let us face it; it is better for our crude oil to be refined in our country, by indigenous companies than to be exported at great cost to foreign capitals. The solution lies in the regularisation of the ownership of such refineries. We should give the culprits a period within which to strive to register ownership of their refineries and enter into the competitive market of petroleum products marketing.”
Many have also wondered why the various regimes in Nigeria have elected to destroy these refineries rather than empower the operators if this will solve the acute fuel shortage in the country and end oil theft.
It is curious to note that petroleum products could actually be produced with inexpensive equipment, albeit crude, while trillions of naira have been sank into refurbing moribund refineries to no avail.
Days ago it was reported that an exultant 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, destroyed 233 illegal refineries during “Operation Still Waters 3’’ in four states in 2023.
One can only imagine what 233 modular refineries if allowed to thrive and properly monitored could do to alleviate the energy crisis, suffering and hunger in Nigeria.
According to a report from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the four refineries destroyed were located in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta and Rivers of the South-South region.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) the division, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, made the declaration on Monday in Port Harcourt on the side-line of the 2023 West African Social Activities celebration of the army.
He said the division also arrested 1,112 suspected oil thieves during the special military exercise in the four states.
“In 2023, we successfully completed scheduled exercises with a lot of positive gains. Worthy of note is the field training exercise tagged “Exercise Still Waters 3.’’
“The exercise has gone a long way in curtailing criminal activities and other heinous crimes in the 6 Division’s area of responsibility.
“Over the duration of the exercise, we were able to make 1,112 arrests; destroyed 233 illegal refineries, and seized 1,111,900 million litres of illegally refined petroleum products.
“Troops also impounded 72 trucks and other vehicles and recovered more than 356 arms and ammunitions during the period,’’ he said.
Abdussalam assured that the army would consolidate its achievements in 2023 to enable the Federal Government to attain its set target for crude oil production in 2024.
According to him, the army can only meet expectations if troops remain dedicated, focused, and committed in the discharge of their collective responsibilities.
“We must ensure zero tolerance for oil theft and activities that will affect peace and stability across the Niger Delta and the country as a whole.
“We will continue to contentiously perform our constitutional roles to defend democratic values.
“We will not rest, and we will continue to go after criminals who attack us until we get them and make them to pay a higher price for their crimes,’’ he stressed.
The GOC also gave the assurance that the division would do whatever it took to ensure that crude oil output rose in 2024.
Additional reports from NAN.
