By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA – The Niger Delta Youth Network (NDYN) has expressed outrage over the repeated delays in commencing fuel production at the Port Harcourt refinery, despite numerous promises.
The refinery, with a capacity of 210,000 barrels per day, was expected to start refining 60,000 barrels of crude oil daily after reaching mechanical completion of rehabilitation work last December.
However, six postponements have occurred as of August 2024, fueling suspicions of a deliberate attempt to exploit the region’s crude oil producers.
According to Dakuku Francis, NDYN’s spokesperson, the latest broken promise is a clear indication of the government’s lack of commitment to the region’s development.
In a statement on Wednesday, Francis condemned the continued delay, noting that the failure to meet the September 2024 deadline has exacerbated regional tensions and raised concerns about the government’s sincerity.
NDYN alleged that plans are underway to utilize the Port Harcourt refinery as a blending company, importing fuel into the country, mixing it with chemicals, and selling it to the people of the Niger Delta region, potentially harming their health and the environment.
The group claimed this move would perpetuate the country’s dependence on imported fuel, undermining energy security and economic sovereignty.
According to him, the Niger Delta region, which produces the majority of the country’s crude oil, deserves fair treatment and equitable benefits from the oil and gas sector.
NDYN demanded a clear and realistic timeline for the commencement of fuel production at the Port Harcourt refinery, an explanation for the repeated delays, and transparency in dealings with regional crude oil producers.
They said, “The lack of transparency and accountability has exacerbated regional tensions. We are demanding answers and action; the repeated delays are part of a larger plot to exploit our region’s resources. The failure to provide a clear timeline for the commencement of fuel production has created uncertainty and distrust among stakeholders.
“The silence on the reasons behind the repeated delays and broken promises has raised questions about the commitment to the region’s development. We are concerned that the plan to use Port Harcourt as a blending company will harm the health of our people.
“The environmental implications of this plan are equally alarming. Our region is already vulnerable to environmental degradation due to decades of oil exploration and exploitation.
“The Niger Delta region, which produces the majority of the country’s crude oil, deserves fair treatment and equitable benefits from the oil and gas sector. We demand a clear and realistic timeline for the commencement of fuel production at the Port Harcourt refinery.
“There must be transparency in dealings with regional crude oil producers, including regular updates and engagement with stakeholders.”
