NDY agitate over NNPCL sidelining of region

The Niger Delta Youth Network (NDYN) has expressed serious concern and disappointment over the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) failure to start fuel production at the Port Harcourt refinery in Rivers State, despite multiple promises and six delays as of August 2024.

In a statement signed by Dakuku Francis, the group claimed this ongoing failure suggests that a cabal within the NNPCL is intentionally seeking to exploit the region’s crude oil producers. The latest unfulfilled promise came from NNPCL Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajiya, who stated that operations would begin in September 2024. However, with September now passed, the NNPC has not provided any updates, leading to perceptions of a deliberate effort to undermine the region.

The Port Harcourt refinery, designed to process 210,000 barrels per day, was seen as a hopeful prospect for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. After completing rehabilitation in December, it was expected to refine 60,000 barrels daily, but that promise has also gone unfulfilled. The NNPCL’s lack of transparency and accountability has heightened regional tensions.

The group alleged that Mele Kyari, NNPCL’s Managing Director, intends to use the refinery merely as a blending facility, importing fuel, mixing it with chemicals, and selling it to Niger Delta residents, potentially endangering their health.

Francis criticized the lack of a clear timeline for fuel production, creating uncertainty and distrust among stakeholders. He also noted that NNPCL’s silence on the reasons for the repeated delays raises doubts about its commitment to the region’s development. The youths fear that the company aims to maintain the status quo, exporting crude oil and refining it abroad instead of benefiting the local economy.

Francis said, “The NNPCL’s lack of transparency and accountability has exacerbated regional tensions. We demand answers and action, as these repeated delays seem part of a larger scheme to exploit our resources.”

He highlighted the environmental risks of the alleged blending plan, warning that introducing harmful chemicals could further damage the already vulnerable ecosystem of the Niger Delta. This action would also exacerbate Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel, undermining the country’s energy security and economic independence.

The NDYN believes the Niger Delta region, which produces most of Nigeria’s crude oil, deserves fair treatment and benefits from the nation’s oil resources. The NNPCL’s inaction threatens the region’s economic growth and perpetuates feelings of marginalization.

In light of these issues, the Niger Delta youths are calling for urgent action from the NNPCL. Francis insisted that the company must provide a clear and realistic timeline for starting fuel production at the Port Harcourt refinery, explain the reasons behind the delays, and ensure transparency in dealings with local crude oil producers. He emphasized the need for regular updates on the refinery’s progress, engagement with stakeholders, and timely responses to concerns.