The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime and governors to intensify efforts to check the operations of illegal refineries in the country.

IPMAN’s president, Chinedu Okoronkwo, stated this on Friday.

Mr Okoronkwo explained that the recent explosion at one of the illegal refineries at Abaezi forest in Ohaji-Egbema local government area of Imo had again brought to the forefront the dangers of engaging in such nefarious activities.

“IPMAN as a body commiserates with the government and people of Imo over the deaths and injuries recorded in the incident. We believe this tragedy could have been averted if the various tiers of government and the security agencies were alive to their responsibilities,” said Mr Okoronkwo.

He added, “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.”

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

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

Mr Okoronkwo urged other governors to imitate Governor Nyesom Wike, who took the campaign against oil bunkering in Rivers seriously.

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

(NAN)