TheCable

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has called on governments to deepen efforts to check the operations of illegal refineries.

Chinedu Okoronkwo, president, IPMAN, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

He said the recent explosion at one of the illegal refineries in Imo brought the dangers of engaging in such nefarious activities to the fore.

Last week, an explosion at an illegal oil refining site in Ohaji/Egbema area of Imo state kicked more than 100 people.

“IPMAN as a body commiserates with the government and people of Imo over the deaths and injuries recorded in the incident,” Okoronkwo said.

“We believe this tragedy could have been averted if the various tiers of government and the security agencies were alive to their responsibilities.

“We are, therefore, calling on the local, state, and federal governments to intensify efforts to check the operations of these illegal refineries within their domains.”

Okoronkwo said Nigeria was losing billions of naira to crude oil thieves, which was affecting the nation’s economy negatively.

He said the environmental degradation being caused by their activities could not be overemphasised, especially in the Niger Delta region.

Okoronkwo urged other state governors to emulate Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state, who had taken the campaign against oil bunkering in the state very seriously.

He added that IPMAN would continue to work with the government, security agencies, and other stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the challenges confronting the oil and gas industry.

“We believe that part of the ways we can reduce their activities is for governments to begin the establishment of modular refineries in some of these areas,” Okoronkwo added.

“If these people are positively engaged, the problem of oil theft and illegal refineries will be reduced in Nigeria.”

The development comes amid concerns by stakeholders about the effects of oil bunkering across the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari had previously directed security agencies to “intensify” the clampdown on sponsors of illegal refineries across the country.

The president has also asked security operatives to ensure that those responsible for the Imo incident face prosecution.