…Seeks involvement in Pipeline Surveillance.
The President of Ogoni Ex Artisanal Refiners, Comrade Humphrey Domka has called on the Federal Government to establish modular refineries in Ogoni and other parts of the Niger Delta as part of measures to boost indigenous participation and local production of petroleum products.
He also called for specialized training for ex artisanal refiners to be actively engaged in productive activities and better their standards of living.
Comrade Domka who spoke in an interview with news men said the moves will not only address the deficits of local oil production but create job opportunities for the youth.
The Ogoni born activist declared that the stoppage of artisanal refinery operation without rehabilitation of the operators into active economic activities has resulted in economic doldrum and inactivity on their part.
He pointed out that the training component of the presidential amnesty program should be adopted to give the ex artisanal refiners a sense of belonging through specialized training and rehabilitation to provide meaningful livelihood for them.
Comrade Domka also flayed a system were the ex-artisanal refiners are completely exempted from pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta.
He maintained that the ex-artisanal refiners were the most disposed to be involved in pipeline surveillance contracts as they were more familiar with the maritime terrain than the external contractors, adding that they were poised to carry out the functions with a deep sense of responsibility and stewardship.
