The crude way and manner officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) usually dispose confiscated petroleum products in parts of Niger Delta have been adjudged as causing more harm than good to the environment.
The Senior Programme Manager, New Nigeria Foundation (NNF), Chikodi Chiedo who spoke in Lagos revealed that the security outfit’s method of doing away with these stolen products further aggravate degradation already caused during the processing of crude oil theft by artisanal refiners.
According to her, “There may be a need to conduct research and technical evaluation of the composite from artisanal refineries in order to determine what needs to be done to convert the products. The development of modular refineries and other technologies could help in meeting demands, eliminating illegal processing of crude oil and the attendant environmental impact.”
Continuing, NNF boss argued that “Citizens should advocate to government to support local refiners and establish modular refineries to meet local needs. The Civil Society should make pipeline surveillance contractors accountable for oil theft, advocate transparency and open data from NNPC and inform citizens about the bad effects of crude oil theft on their communities and environment.
“Oil companies should improve internal security and secure pipelines, invest more funds in community development and implement local content policy that ensure that the host communities benefit from contracts and jobs”, Chiedo averred.
Business Hilights South-South Bureau chief reports that there had been several instances where NSCDC disposes impounded petroleum with greater negative environmental impacts than even the activities of the vandals in the creeks.
