By Obiabin Onukwugha
An advocacy group, Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre, YEAC-Nigeria, has again emphasised the need for the federal government of Nigeria to legalize artisanal refineries in order to curb revenue loss from the oil sector.
YEAC-NIGERIA has been at the forefront of advocacy for granting licenses and training for artisanal refiners in the Niger Delta region.
Executive Director of YEAC-NIGERIA, Fyneface Dumnamene, while speaking at a Labour Summit in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital recently, said Nigeria was losing over three billion dollars to illegal bunkering on monthly basis.
Dyneface, who posited that oil theft goes beyond those involved in illegal bunkering at the creeks of the Niger Delta, said artisanal refined crude could help boost Nigeria’s production if properly harnessed.
The environmental Advocate observed that because the bunkers operate illegally, they are compelled to acquire firearms to secure themselves and territories for the fear of attacks.
Fyneface therefore, called for standardization, innovation and legalization of artisanal refinery to improve the country’s economic situation.