The umbrella body of unemployed youths in the country under the aegis of unemployed youths association of Nigeria, UYAN, on democracy, 12th June, 2024 urged the Federal Government to approve licences for modular refineries, so as to reduce unemployment and curb illegal refining.
The Unemployed Youths Association Of Nigeria, UYAN also charged the federal government to take steps at establishing modular refineries in the Niger Delta states, to create jobs, ensure steady fuel supply, boost the economy, and eradicate illegal refining of crude oil in the country.
Comrade Casmir Irekamba, the president of UYAN, made the call at a media briefing on democracy day in Abuja, 12th June 2024.
He appealed to the Federal Government to put in place policies that would enable individuals to go into modular refineries to reduce the burden and cost on the government, thereby reducing unemployment, curb illegal refining and the high cost of petrol in the country which is the major cause of high price of goods in the market.
He believed that if granted, the illegal oil refining operators would be reformed into cooperatives, which will benefit the government as crime will reduce, more revenue generated, with operators caused to pay taxes to the government like oil multinational companies.
Irekamba commended the federal and Niger Delta state governments for tackling the effects of illegal refineries in the region, adding that modular refinery, if legalised, will end the economic sabotage being experienced in the country.
According to UYAN president, “to reduce these illegal refineries, for example, Niger Delta states are oil states. Government should set a platform that will be easier for private investors.
“Private partners to come into oil and gas industry, setting up modular refinery, giving them licences, reducing the procedures to make it easier for investors to come into this business.
“federal government should make a policy for local production of industrial fabrication for modular refinery.
“That means we can build the modular refinery here Nigeia and also fabricate the parts and this will create more jobs.
“Nigeria should not be a country where fuel became a problem; there is no need to import fuel because we have the crude oil here in Nigeria, UYAN president said.
The UYAN lamented that illegal crude oil refining has been a longstanding issue in the Niger Delta region, leading to environmental degradation, health hazards, and loss of revenue for the government.
Mr Casmir Irekamba, noted that the Federal Government can provide legitimate job opportunities for citizens, reduce reliance on imported fuel, and increase revenue through the sale of refined products by Liberalizing modular refineries.
He explained that modular refineries are a cost-effective and efficient solution for smaller-scale oil processing, making them well-suited for the needs of the country.
Irekamba stated: “By investing in these refineries, the government can create a sustainable industry that not only benefits the economy but also protects the environment and improves the overall quality of life for residents and citizenry.
“Unemployed Youths Association Of Nigeria, UYAN calls on Government to prioritize the procurement of modular refineries as part of its broader efforts to promote economic development and ensure a brighter future for all residents and citizenry.
“Together, government and private investors can build a sustainable energy infrastructure that supports the growth and prosperity of the country, he said.
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