Niger Delta Lawyers Want Port Harcourt Refinery Operational Before End Of September As Promised By NNPCL, Mele Kyari
This post has already been read 22266 times!
Lawyers from the Niger Delta region have given the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its Managing Director, Mele Kyari, an ultimatum: ensure the Port Harcourt Refinery is operational before the end of September.
This demand follows the refinery’s prolonged non-functionality, which has led to an energy crisis and forced oil-producing communities to purchase fuel at inflated rates.
The lawyers, representing the Coalition of Niger Delta Youth on Energy Reforms and Transparency in the Oil and Gas Sector, expressed concerns over the refinery’s proposed conversion into a blending plant for substandard petroleum products from Russia. They argue this would expose the region to harmful chemicals and environmental pollution.
Mele Kyari had previously stated that the Port Harcourt Refinery would commence operations by December 2024.
However, the lawyers are demanding immediate action, citing the region’s significant contribution to the country’s revenue.
The lawyers contend that the refinery’s non-functionality is a deliberate attempt to further impoverish the Niger Delta region.
They emphasize that the economic value chain around the refinery’s operations would be disrupted, leading to increased hardship, crime, and criminality.
The Coalition’s statement co-signed by Dickens A. Opu and Werigbelegha Zinake, criticizes the Mele Kyari-led NNPCL for a lack of transparency and accountability.
They allege that the country has lost significant revenue due to the activities of a cartel aided by the NNPCL.
The lawyers urge the federal government to intervene promptly, ensuring the refinery’s operationality, instituting reforms in the oil and gas sector, and investigating the NNPCL’s administration under Mele Kyari.
The lawyers warn that inaction will have severe socioeconomic implications, including increased crime and criminality.
They appeal to the relevant authorities to act in the best interest of the Niger Delta people and the country, emphasizing that the region’s significant revenue contribution warrants better treatment.
