By Samuel Oyadongha

Local operators involved in the illegal refining of crude oil in the coastal communities of the Niger Delta region have commended the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo over the planned liberalisation of modular refineries in the region.

The operators , formerly known as illegal refinery owners described the proposed liberalisation of modular refineries as a welcome development that would encourage local participation, massive employment of youths and increased production of petroleum product for the nation.

They however warned that politicians should not be allowed to hijack the policy.

The operators under the aegis of  the Izon-Ibie Modular Refinery Association, in a letter to the Acting President, signed by Clever Uyabara and Okia Pere, Chairman and Secretary respectively, said ‎the success of the proposed modular refinery is dependent on the openness of the policy and should not be politicised.

According to them, “The issue of the proposed modular refinery should not be allowed to be politicized and hijacked by politicians.

“Those of us in business, at the local level, are aware of the negative impact politicized policies have had ‎on peace processes in the region. It will be easier to train local operators for the pilot scheme and we shall be more than willing to work with government to showcase our skills.

‎”We want to commend the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and yourself, Professor Yemi Osinbajo for the attempts to put in place sustainable peace, development and local participation of youths and other stakeholders from the region.

“It is on record that the recent visits and interaction between Your Excellency, Acting President YemiOsinbajo and stakeholders in Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States has opened positive tidings to the people of the region, and in particular, the Local Refinery operators.

“The visits have also led to the unveiling of the 20-point agenda aimed at instituting permanent peace in the oil-producing region through proper local participation in ownership and production of crude oil.

“To us in the region, the declaration Acting President, YemiOsinbajo and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachukwu on the proposed coordination of the perceived ‘illegal’refinery operators into owners of Modular Refineries in the States of Niger Delta, is commendable and welcomed.

“The words, made known in Bayelsa and the states visited, has led to the inauguration a $50 Million modular refinery Ikwe-Onna Refinery with a 5000 B/D day capacity in Ikwe village of  Onnna Local government area of Akwa Ibom State. This is already sending the right signals to local participants such as our group.

“Our group, the Izon-Ibie Modular Refinery Association, is ready and set to key into the new era of proper, safe and environmental friendly proposition from the Federal Government.Not wanting to sound immodest, the multitude of local refinery operators in the Niger Delta region and Lagos, have been part and parcel of silent partner in the crude oil refining activities for the benefit of the Nation.

“In our little way, we have contributed to the increased availability of refined products including AGO, DK,PMS and LPFO in the market. Inspite of our limited knowledge of crude oil refining, we have absorbed hundreds of thousands of jobless youths including graduates and contributed to peace and security through gainful engagement.

“Our letter is to let you and your entire team to know that we are ready to embrace the new policies due to our knowledge and capability to help the nation through crude oil refining with capacity to deliver millions of barrels of refined products and absorb youths for gainful employment. Our participation will also encourage safe environment and community participation for sustainable peace and development.”